UK

Members of the trade had plenty to say this week - only some of it serious - in response to the government’s announcement of a general election. Others reacted to revolving doors at the major auction houses and the presence of top-quality pieces at provincial auction houses.

Aston Martins are associated with glamour and glitz. The car of James Bond. But the example coming up in a classic car auction in Essex on May 7 is more muck than mystique.

Ladybird books, or rather some of the artworks produced for the much-loved, original pocket-size books, are to be offered by Tennants of Leyburn in two auctions this year – the first on April 28 as part of a sale of books, maps, manuscripts and prints.

In Eccles near Manchester in the Sixties, artist Harold Riley enjoyed the food so much at an Italian restaurant he discovered that he gave the proprietor one of his paintings.

A late 18th century Rajput miniature with an excellent provenance is to be offered at auction next week at Mallams in Cheltenham.

The London jewellery dealership Wartski was in a sparkling mood but it was not their Fabergé and other antique gems that were the main attraction on this occasion.

Boneshakers and Penny Farthings were the forerunners of the bicycle we know now but were hardly practical as everyday transport for the masses. Step (or pedal) forward the ‘safety bike’.

The art and antiques industry took to social media to vent their frustrations and concerns after a snap general election was called by Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday.

A new auction record was set for modern British painter Sir Cedric Morris (1889-1982) at Chichester’s Henry Adams which hammered down the still life oil on canvas ‘Wild Flowers’ at £130,000.

Two visiting books that belonged to the Duchess of Cambridge are being offered at Halls’ country house auction later this month.