UK

A trio of art dealers has chosen this summer’s revamped London Art Week to unveil new central London galleries.

Major dealers remain confident about the market for top-level English 18th century ceramics. At lower levels, however, the disappearance of so many dedicated collectors continues to take its toll.

Coming up trumps at Stamford auctioneers Batemans (20% buyer’s premium) on May 6 was a full pack of 52 Georgian playing cards.

Where do antiques fit into current interior design thinking? We took three decorators on a whistle-stop tour of Kensington Church Street to gather their views on trends in furnishing with antiques and dealing with dealers.

In an era when much-loved galleries and antiques shops are disappearing from UK high streets, it is reassuring to know that, in London at least, the art and antiques trade continues to congregate – and indeed thrive – in the areas it has made its own for half a century or more. Here’s a guide to the best-known London dealing quarters.

The grande dame of the UK summer fairs scene marks its 45th year in West Kensington

Seventy years ago, councils around the UK launched Pictures for Schools, a scheme to bring original works of art into the classroom.

Watercolours by the polar explorer Apsley Cherry-Garrard (1886-1959) were discovered among thousands of works from Stanley Studios in Chelsea.

“It has to be accessible. We don’t want to over-egg it. Trying to make Old Masters ‘sexy’ is not going to happen. But there are ways to get people interested.”

An age away from the controversy, skulduggery and sky-high prices that have too often characterised the antiquities market of late, the world of the quiet academic’s study came to the Macclesfield rooms of Adam Partridge (15% buyer’s premium) on April 6-7.

Even in the days of online catalogues, internet bidding and timed sales, the importance of bricks and mortar premises for an auction house can hardly be overstated.

Here ATG presents a selection of the exhibitions, fairs, auctions and events that can be found in London during the busy summer season.

Annual West Sussex event held for the third time is busy throughout its three-day run...

Like Petworth, Lewes is a place known for its antiques shops. A nearby fair running from June 2-4 provides a chance for visitors to get an extra dose of shopping.