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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Thomas Cole tripod clock: a birthday present to a marquess

14 June 2021

This Victorian gilt-brass month-going tripod clock by Thomas Cole is engraved with a dedication dated July 6, 1861, from the Marchioness of Anglesey as a birthday present to her husband, the 2nd Marquess of Anglesey.

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Caddy spoons array ‘probably best on market since Norie’

14 June 2021

The principal private collection of silver sold at Woolley & Wallis's latest specialist auction included a fine array of caddy spoons.

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Surprised vendor ends up with a Turkish delight

14 June 2021

A vendor had a nice surprise when a painting she inherited from her aunt and formerly owned by her grandmother proved much more valuable than she realised.

Battersea fair

Battersea decorative fair returns this autumn

12 June 2021

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair is returning to its home in Battersea Park this autumn.

Ibibio mask (idiok ekpo)

Top-selling Nigerian mask stars in our pick of five auction highlights sold this week

11 June 2021

ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a rare Ibibio mask from the Niger Delta that made over 35-times estimate in Salisbury.

Phyllis Kao

New hires and promotions at Hansons, Dawsons and Bonhams

10 June 2021

Among this week’s latest Movers & Shakers are a group of hires at Bonhams in Hong Kong and New York.

Old Master interior picture

Two Dutch Old Master pictures recovered by the Monuments Men and eventually restituted to Jewish businessman’s heirs come to auction

09 June 2021

Old Master pictures from the Dutch ‘Golden Age’ will be offered as part of Christie’s Classic Week of sales in July.

Chronicle of Fortingall

Sixteenth century Scottish Highlands manuscript bought by Edinburgh museum

08 June 2021

A 16th century manuscript has been bought by The National Libraries of Scotland at auction.

Arundel Castle cabinet

Reward offered for return of stolen treasures from Arundel Castle

08 June 2021

Insurers acting for the owners of Arundel Castle have offered a substantial reward for the safe return of all or part of the collection of items stolen on the night of May 21.

Constable watercolour

‘Elegy’ from 1836 reveals original John Constable watercolours

07 June 2021

Discovered lying unrecognised on a bookcase in a Sussex cottage, a unique edition of Thomas Gray’s Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard will be offered at Gorringe’s this month with a £100,000-150,000 estimate.

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Petworth fair: 'People are absolutely gagging to take part'

07 June 2021

Dealers eager to attend Petworth event say online is fine but they miss contact with the public

First World War Kitchener image

Pick of the week: The Kitchener call to arms that inspired a classic poster design

07 June 2021

The stern face, luxurious moustache and pointing finger are instantly familiar – but the message below Kitchener’s intense gaze not so.

Medals

Battle of Britain medal groups hit six figures

07 June 2021

Two impressive Battle of Britain medal groups offered a day apart at separate auctions both took six-figure sums.

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Royal Worcester vases and a Victorian silver jug are among five lots to watch at auction this week

07 June 2021

With estimates from £300-60,000 here are five previews of upcoming items this week.

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Medal marks a springboard moment for Arts & Crafts

07 June 2021

A recent sale at Gildings (20% buyer’s premium) of Market Harborough included a number of medals of historical interest.

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Sumptuous Sèvres in UK salerooms

07 June 2021

Range of Sèvres highlights from ancien regime to the empire periods sold in UK auctions

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Essex sale provides latest market test for Company School ornithological paintings

07 June 2021

Interest in the exquisitely detailed ornithological paintings produced by Indian artists from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries has grown significantly over the last few decades.

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In the footsteps of Cedric Morris

07 June 2021

The 466-lot sale of the Sally Hunter and Ian Posgate collection at Sworders was a marathon event – taking over 10 hours in all.

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Postcards of Cumbrian life (and loss of life)

07 June 2021

Trying to set a water-speed record is one of sport’s most hazardous competitions – with a high fatality rate as a result.

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David Lloyd George takes on foxy features

07 June 2021

Based on a slightly earlier American original called The Landlords Game, this example of Brer Fox an’ Brer Rabbit dates to 1913.

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