LAPADA Fair in 2025.
More LAPADA Fair names revealed
A raft of new and returning dealers have signed up for this autumn’s LAPADA Fair in Berkeley Square. As reported in ATG No 2753, Mayfair furniture dealer Ronald Phillips, furniture specialist Andreas de Jong (with Kensington dealer Godson & Coles) and luxury watch firm Somlo have all agreed to exhibit at the central London event scheduled for October 27 to November 1.
The latest names revealed include Sandra Cronan, Sladmore Gallery, Kolhammer-Preisinger Art, Carol Tresor, Mayfair Gallery, McBain & Byrne and Hansord Antiques.
Elizabeth Shanks, CEO of LAPADA, said: “We are delighted with the calibre of dealers joining LAPADA this year and the momentum behind the 2026 fair. Our ambition is very clear: to create an outstanding commercial opportunity for our exhibitors by bringing together an exceptional selection of dealers with an equally exceptional audience. We are investing in both sides of that equation.”
LAPADA has also established an Excellence Committee to select the winners of the fair’s new Excellence Awards. The committee includes Hartwig Fischer, director of the Museum of World Cultures in Saudi Arabia; Jill Cook, keeper of Britain, Europe & Prehistory at the British Museum; Alex Kader, former head of Sotheby’s sculpture; and interior designer Natalia Miyar.
Balmer takes role at RWB Auctions
Izzie Balmer.
Independent freelance valuer and auctioneer Izzie Balmer has expanded the number of businesses she works for with an appointment at RWB Auctions in Royal Wootton Bassett.
A regular on BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, she has a decade of experience in auction houses and is a qualified gemmologist. Specialising in jewellery and silver, Balmer holds both FGA and DGA diplomas from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
Her latest appointment with RWB Auctions is alongside existing regular roles at Clevedon Salerooms and Wotton Auction Rooms as well as other firms on a more ad hoc basis.
Lyme Bay expands in east Devon
Lyme Bay Auctions’ new saleroom.
Lyme Bay Auctions has opened new premises in Colyton, east Devon.
Its previous saleroom in Seaton, around three miles away on Harepath Road, will now operate as a stock depot and collection hub for its online auctions.
The new premises in Market Place in the centre of Colyton is now its valuations and auction hub including a saleroom and office.
Lyme Bay Auctions is run by husband-and-wife team Simon and Susie Watson.
Stanley Gibbons now in Singapore
Collectables specialist firm Stanley Gibbons has opened a permanent office in Singapore.
The auction house and dealership has hired a team of specialists led by consultant regional specialist Christine Fernando for client and business relations and Jeremy Lee for banknotes and numismatics.
Stanley Gibbons’ roots are in philately and numismatics but it is also growing its specialisms and holding sales in trading cards and comics.
It will host a launch reception on October 21, followed by its inaugural live Singapore auction series which includes a stamp auction on October 29 and a Pokémon auction on October 30.
The new location is on North Bridge Road in Singapore and is by appointment only.
Comics ace joins Heritage London
Duncan McAlpine of Heritage.
Comic book specialist Duncan McAlpine has joined Heritage Auctions in its London office as comics consignment director.
He has decades of experience in comic-book collecting and investment for both US and UK titles and for nearly four decades his Comic Book Price Guide for Great Britain has been an essential reference for collectors.
Highley rises up the Phillips ladder
Henry Highley of Phillips.
Phillips has promoted Henry Highley to worldwide head of private sales. He joined in 2008.
In his new role, Highley will continue as Phillips’ principal auctioneer.
Most read
The most clicked-on stories for week September 17-23 on antiquestradegazette.com
1 Thirty years on, eBay trialling ‘soft close’ end to its auctions
2 ‘The Hares’ Revenge’: painting turning the tables on hunters sparks thrilling auction competition
3 Astronomical price for ‘masterpiece’ clock at Dreweatts
4 Collection of Georgian fireplaces from architectural historian and campaigner comes to auction
5 Huge collection of Nelson letters valued at up to £6m heads to Sotheby’s
In Numbers
10
The number of Champions League appearances that Roy Keane made for Manchester United in the 1998-99 season when they won the trophy. It would have been 11 but he was suspended for the final after accumulating yellow cards. Even though he did not play, his shirt prepared for that game, but unused, still hammered on the low estimate of £15,000 plus 20% buyer’s premium at Sportingold on September 23.
Roy Keane Manchester United shirt for the 1998-99 Champions League final (where he was suspended), £15,000 at Sportingold.
