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

Kinghams' specialist Michael Jeffrey

Huge Flambé Landscape vase sets new record for any piece of Moorcroft pottery

21 April 2026

The quarter-century old auction record for Moorcroft pottery has been broken with the sale of a massive Flambé Landscape pattern vase for £32,000.

Memento mori pendant

Unknown memento mori pendant discovered thanks to a 17th century portrait comes to Treasure House Fair

21 April 2026

The memento mori pendant depicted in a celebrated 17th century family portrait on the theme of grief, mortality, and religious faith, has been discovered.

Silver tea table

Rochester’s Huguenot Museum shines with latest acquisition

21 April 2026

An 18th century silver tea table linked to the Lethieullier family has been purchased by the Huguenot Museum in Rochester.

Ivon Hitchens landscape

Early Ivon Hitchens landscape tops estimate at Gloucestershire auction

20 April 2026

Among the Modern British art highlights sold in the English regions so far this spring was a striking landscape that made a significant sum for an early Ivon Hitchens (1893-1979) at Kinghams' (26% buyer’s premium) latest British Art & Design sale.

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Art Deco earrings are among five lots to watch

20 April 2026

With estimates from £300, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week

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Prolific John Piper in demand in galleries and at auction

17 April 2026

Despite a recent work on paper auction record, the artist’s works remain relatively affordable according to specialists

Victorian rosewood marquetry centre table
Florence Nightingale letter

Florence Nightingale opines on the first Geneva Convention

17 April 2026

A letter written by Florence Nightingale in which she discusses the creation of the Red Cross and the Geneva Convention is being sold by Sworders.

Ephemera from the Red Barn Murder

Pick of the week: A barnstorming tale of murder most foul attracts bidders at Essex auction

17 April 2026

The Red Barn Murder of 1827, which occurred in the tiny rural village of Polstead, Suffolk was the biggest crime story of the era.

Iznik dish

Iznik pottery from two pioneer British collections returns to auction

17 April 2026

Produced in Ottoman Turkey between the 15th and 17th centuries, Iznik pottery experienced a sudden and passionate surge of Western interest in the mid 19th century.

Sarah Baldwin, owner of the Ledbury Collective

New antiques market adds to the buzz in Ledbury

17 April 2026

The Ledbury Collective in the so-named design quarter in the attractive Herefordshire town was opened last year by Sarah Baldwin.

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Nansen’s book travelled to South Pole with Amundsen

17 April 2026

Arch Books of Richmond, southwest London, recently sold the personal expedition copy of Fridtjof Nansen’s Fram over Polhavet [Farthest North] (1897), owned and signed by fellow Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen (1872-1928).

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Furniture and snuffbox benefit from a bit of regal assistance

17 April 2026

A Queen Anne olivewood oyster, holly and walnut cabinet on stand offered by Dreweatts (27/26% buyer’s premium) in Newbury was among a number of lots sold recently showing the commercial boost that royal provenance can provide.

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Splendour of Plender: robes and coronets

17 April 2026

Robes and coronets worn by notable dignitaries invited to coronations are not uncommon sights at auctions but often prove popular.

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Record price shows another Rossetti could be on the rise

17 April 2026

Lucy Madox Brown Rossetti (1843-94) was linked to two of the most famous artistic families of the 19th century.

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Carpet at Christie’s lay under notable personages

17 April 2026

A 17th century Safavid carpet on offer at Christie’s in London on April 30 is woven into the ceremonial life of the British monarchy in the early 20th century.

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Why artist Joseph Southall chose to go to work on an egg

17 April 2026

Joseph Southall’s (1861-1944) picture Cymon and Iphigenia was probably made with the help of the artist’s chickens.

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Chorister commended by Elizabeth II

17 April 2026

This copy of The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments and the Apocrypha (Cambridge: at the University Press, 1961) is signed in ink by Queen Elizabeth II on a mounted presentation plate, dated Christmas 1961.

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Mollie of Sydenham became a valued member of Hartnell’s team making sumptuous royal fashion

17 April 2026

Royal costumes and fashion have long been a source of fascination.

Paxton House Antiques and Decorative Fair

An event that borders on the inspirational

17 April 2026

“Unfortunately, Paxton House won’t allow us to chop down any historic trees to add more marquees,” joked Seppe Anthony, co-organiser at Glam Racket Events.

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