Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell

Jonathan Swift

Swift decision: portrait will remain in Ireland

20 September 2021

A portrait of Anglo-Irish satirist Jonathan Swift that has hung at Howth Castle since 1735 sold for €234,000 (£200,000) this month.

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Pick of the week: Silver vesta case strikes a blow for the motor car

20 September 2021

This rare Victorian silver vesta case with an enamelled scene of an early tiller-driven automobile is hallmarked for Sampson Mordan & Co, London 1896.

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Jewellery: Koopman Rare Art grows its presence with the arrival of two ex-Sotheby’s specialists

20 September 2021

After settling in to its new showroom in the West End, Koopman Rare Art has expanded its jewellery department.

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A William and Mary japanned chest features among five lots to watch

20 September 2021

With estimates from £400-100,000 here are five previews of upcoming items this week.

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Ottoman panel used as tomb cover sells ten times above estimate at Dreweatts

20 September 2021

This large Ottoman metal thread and silk hanging features a dedication to Sultan Ahmed III (1673-1736).

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Belleek porcelain beckons bidders from all over the world

20 September 2021

A collection of Belleek porcelain totalled £7600 at Cuttlestones (20% buyer’s premium) on July 21.

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Writing desk demand is a sign of revival

20 September 2021

Prices for good-quality writing desks continue to recover – as was evident when a George II example more than tripled top hopes.

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Previews: issue 2510

20 September 2021

A selection of 16 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.

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Trigger pulled for first sale at new auction house

20 September 2021

A painted wooden shop sign that hung for many years from a store in Norwich sold at Norfolk’s newest auction house.

Circe

Record bid for ‘young Australia’s chef d’oeuvre’ at auction

13 September 2021

This bronze reduction of Kipkh (Circe) by Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal (1863-1931) set a new house record at Lots Road Auctions.

Blue and white bowls

How long is it ‘fair and reasonable’ to wait for a bidder to settle a £354,000 bill?

13 September 2021

A legal dispute that explored how long it is ‘fair and reasonable’ to wait for a buyer to pay for a six-figure purchase has concluded.

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Drinking a toast to the Bonnie Prince – in an English teapot

13 September 2021

The sale of the collection of Robin Simpson (1940-2020) was celebration of British commemorative ceramics.

Silver tankard

Pick of the week: Putting China on course for golf

13 September 2021

Estimated at £400-600, this 7in (17cm) high Chinese export silver dragon handled tankard sold for a much higher sum.

Cabinet

An Arts and Crafts cabinet by Ernest Gimson is among six lots to watch this week

13 September 2021

With estimates from £150-8000, here are six previews of upcoming items this week.

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Previews: issue 2509

13 September 2021

A selection of 16 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK and Ireland.

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Swig from this if gripped by gout

13 September 2021

This 16in (39cm) mid-18th century saltglazed stoneware bottle has two relief moulded medallions to the shoulder.

Asian art auctions busy as ever

13 September 2021

American firms will be cramming nearly 20 sales into the fourth week of September

Gaganendranath Tagore picture

Tagore ink painting brings Indian summer

13 September 2021

A mount to an ‘Indian school’ ink wash offered by Cuttlestones in Penkridge on September 2 read simply 'G Tagore'.

Longcase by Andrew Brown of Edinburgh

Rare 17th century longcase clock stars in our weekly pick of five auction highlights

10 September 2021

ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a rare Edinburgh longcase clock that tripled its estimate in a Scottish auction.

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Going for a Song – ‘Ru’ censer brings £320,000

06 September 2021

Stamford Auction Rooms set a house record when a Chinese pottery tripod censer shot over its £500-800 estimate to bring £320,000.