Latest News Articles by Laura Chesters
Boom in metal-detecting helps ‘treasure’ numbers hit a record
05 December 2017A record amount of ‘treasure’ has been found in Britain’s fields and ditches by members of the public in the past year.
Forum flies in Banksy artworks for New York auction
05 December 2017Forum Auctions has temporarily exported a collection of Banksy artworks to the US from the UK for an exhibition ahead of its debut Stateside sale next week.
Auction house Duke’s feels festive with wine tasting and cellar auction
04 December 2017The festive season is upon us and many will be sampling their favourite tipples. Auction houses typically take advantage of this time of year to offer special sales of wines and spirits; and Duke’s in Dorchester is doing just that later this week.
Money laundering fines for ‘High Value Dealers’ double to more than £1m in the UK
04 December 2017Fines from HMRC for money laundering have doubled in the past year to £1.1m but the number of fines fell to just 886.
New owner will expand Masterpiece fair overseas
04 December 2017Art Basel-owner MCH Group is to expand the Masterpiece brand across the US, Asia and the Middle East after it bought a majority stake in the art fair.
Devastating fire at Jarrow Auction Rooms forces owner to look for new location
04 December 2017The owner of Jarrow Auction Rooms in Tyne and Wear is hoping to raise money to rebuild his business after it was destroyed by a fire last month.
Art fair Masterpiece London bought by Art Basel-owner
01 December 2017Art Basel-owner MCH Group has bought a 67.5% stake in Masterpiece London and will expand the UK fair overseas.
Six snaps from the launch of Joanna Hardy’s book on rubies
30 November 2017A new book by jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy was launched this week at Somerset House.
Paradise found in Germany: Roeland Savery painting sold online for 50 times its estimate
28 November 2017A German auction house in a small Bavarian town has sold a Dutch Golden Age painting for more than 50 times its estimate – setting a record for an artwork auctioned online in Germany.
Six snaps from Gander & White’s 85th anniversary party
27 November 2017Fine arts and antiques shipping firm Gander & White celebrated its 85th anniversary last week.
Ivory: Trade tells MPs to back licensing
27 November 2017For the first time, the UK art and antiques trade has publicly made the case for a licensing system that would permit the sale of antique ivory on a case-by-case basis.
London Bridge vintage market launches a green-fingered Christmas
27 November 2017‘Flea at Flat Iron Square’ near London Bridge has launched its festive events programme.
Demand for second-hand goods at antique shops and auction houses boost UK retail sales figures
25 November 2017The latest statistics show art and antiques are playing a part in sales growth around the country.
Rockefeller revealed: the most valuable collection to ever come to auction
24 November 2017A Picasso from his Rose Period, a Sèvres porcelain dessert service made for Napoleon and a Monet waterlily painting are among the highlights to be auctioned at Christie’s as part of the estate of billionaire banker David Rockefeller.
Trade cautiously welcomes government’s Autumn Statement help for small businesses
22 November 2017Small businesses were given a small reprieve in chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement today with an update on business rates and the VAT threshold.
Investment firm helps restructure online loan provider Borro
22 November 2017Online loan provider Borro has restructured its business as part of new investment from owner Victory Park Capital.
Stamp dealer Stanley Gibbons’ investment arm goes into administration
21 November 2017Stamp and coin dealership Stanley Gibbons Group's investment subsidiary is to go into administration.
Gold leaf cut from Napoleon’s laurel crown shines at Fontainebleau auction
21 November 2017A leaf that was once part of the famous laurel crown made for Napoleon for his coronation in 1804 has been sold in France for a hammer price of €500,000 (£443,193).
Harryhausen monsters, models and memorabilia head to Surrey for movie auction
20 November 2017Did you miss the Tate’s exhibition on Ray Harryhausen? Don’t worry, there is a chance to see some of the weird and wonderful beasts that this legendary animator created at a Surrey auction house.
Trade to make ivory case to MPs and peers
20 November 2017The art and antiques trade has a new opportunity to state the case for antique ivory in a meeting with MPs and peers this week.