News

UK: Auctioneer Paul Dunn, formerly of Atwell Martin near Bath and John Nicholson’s of Fernhurst, has set up on his own in Midhurst, Surrey. South Downs Auctioneers will conduct a wide variety of auctions, including agricultural sales, but also plan regular catalogues of antiques and general furniture and effects.

Fashion giants LVMH have sold their controlling stake in leading French auction house Tajan to Rodart, a company owned by American businesswoman Rodica B. Seward. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Measures would not restrict art trade: BRITAIN may soon enjoy one of the most enlightened schemes for keeping key works of art in the country, thanks to the Goodison Review, which has just been published.

Sold at $26,000 (£15,570) as part of the $3.82m (£2.28m) sale of the H.P. Kraus inventory held by Sotheby’s New York on December 4 and 5 was a lavishly illustrated manuscript of 1661 dealing with fireworks, ballistic design and construction.

SOUTH London organiser Paola Francia-Gardner, who operates as P&A Antiques, is reviving her London Glass Fair which will be held on Sunday March 7 at the Chelsea Village Hotel, Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, SW6.

CAN a mere movie affect the antiques market? The answer would appear to be yes, at least in New York where, since the release of The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise, interest in the ancient Japanese weapons of the Samurai has soared with a significant number of new collectors entering the field declaring they have been inspired by the film.

SINCE the 1970s, the new year’s fairs scene in the capital has always really got underway with Caroline Penman’s West London Antiques and Fine Art Fair, which will be held this week from January 15 to 18 at Kensington Town Hall, W8.