UK

The United Kingdom accounts for more than one fifth of the global art market sales and is the second biggest art market after the US.

Through auctioneers, dealers, fairs and markets - and a burgeoning online sector - buyers, collectors and sellers of art and antiques can easily access a vibrant network of intermediaries and events around the country. The UK's museums also house a wealth of impressive collections

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Early work by Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett doubles artist's auction record

19 July 2021

An early painting by Roger ‘Syd’ Barrett (1946-2006) of Pink Floyd led a 200-lot picture section at a recent Cheffins (22.5% buyer’s premium) sale.

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Pistol trio pack the punch of Keith Neal provenance

19 July 2021

Three pistol lots came to the fore at a recent sale at Bonhams (27.5/25/20/14.5% buyer’s premium) in London.

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Airguns shoot up the rankings

19 July 2021

Once the humble playthings of boys the world over, airguns now attract a keen collector following.

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A long wait, but Hingham is back

19 July 2021

Norfolk event is eagerly awaited by enthusiastic customers starved of fairs open to public

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German Maxim machine gun makes five times low estimate in Ipswich sale

19 July 2021

The German Maxim machine gun was used to devastating effect on Allied troops during the First World War.

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Tula pistols take £27,000

19 July 2021

A premium-inclusive total of £1.5m was achieved at Holts’ (25/20% buyer’s premium) summer auction in Norfolk, the third consecutive sale held with no one bidding in the room because of Covid restrictions.

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Mirror on the crest of an auction wave

19 July 2021

The vast majority of cushion-moulded mirrors from the late 17th century have lost their original cresting, which was both flamboyant and fragile.

Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould

Fake or Fortune? returns to screens for its ninth season this month

17 July 2021

BBC TV show Fake or Fortune? is returning later this month after filming progressed in between lockdowns.

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Salop shop spotlight

17 July 2021

Shropshire is a fertile county for antiques centres and shops.

Portrait miniature by Sarah Biffin

Portrait by artist Sarah Biffin, born without hands, arms or feet, is among the latest pick of five auction highlights

16 July 2021

Our weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a portrait by artist Sarah Biffin which sold for more than ten times its estimate.

Marc Knighton
Kempton

England relaxes coronavirus restrictions but recommendations remain in place

14 July 2021

The UK government has confirmed that from July 19 in England many of the coronavirus restrictions will be relaxed.

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Pick of the week: Helmet heads to Philadelphia

12 July 2021

A Renaissance helmet sold at a London auction will be reunited with its garniture (set of armour) after being bought by Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA).

Watercolour on paper by Sam Szafran

Growing gains early on at London Art Week

12 July 2021

Exhibitors at London Art Week have reported a good flow of visitors to galleries as well as demand for the online series of talks.

Leonardo drawing

One Leonardo sold, another caught up in a court battle

12 July 2021

Two Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) drawings created national news last week as Christie’s posted a record for a sketch by the great master in London while a court in Paris is to determine whether another can be legally exported from France.

Charles I inkstand

Rare silver inkstand makes its mark among latest London auctions

12 July 2021

The overall performance of the latest London sales of Old Master pictures and ‘important’ works of art was fairly mixed but the auction houses did at least welcome the return of some big-ticket items.

Silver gilt chalice

Irish silver gilt chalice pre-dates Reformation

12 July 2021

This 6½in (16cm) Irish silver gilt chalice dating from c.1480 is a rare survival from before the Reformation.

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Warning over Brexit effect on British hallmarking

12 July 2021

The British Hallmarking Council (BHC) is to raise concerns with the government about the impact of Brexit on antique gold and silver exports into the EU.

Candelabra

Marble candelabra and a Celtic coin are among five lots to watch at auction

12 July 2021

With estimates from £1500-40,000 here are five previews of upcoming items this week.

Joan Eardley picture

Outsider who gained acceptance

12 July 2021

Exhibition showcasing work of Joan Eardley takes place at gallery which championed her

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