Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Eduard Wiiralt etchings bring fervent bidding at US auction
04 October 2024Two of the most familiar works by Estonian graphic artist Eduard Wiiralt (1898-1954) came for sale at a recent sale at Revere Auctions in St Paul, Minnesota.
‘The largest selection of Fishley pottery to be included in a single auction’
03 October 2024An impressive array of North Devon pottery dating from the 18th to the 20th century comes for sale at Chilcotts in Honiton on October 12.
First known ‘romantic’ photograph of an interracial couple in the US comes to auction
03 October 2024On October 26, Freeman’s Hindman in Cincinnati will offer what is believed to be the first American photograph of a romantically posed interracial couple.
Cabinet showing 17th century ‘globalisation’ in action makes over 90 times estimate
02 October 2024Due to the fact that they represent a meeting of three continents and cultures, barniz de Pasto (Pasto varnish) boxes have recently been described by Jorge F Rivas Perez, curator of Latin American Art at the Denver Art Museum, as ‘some of the first works of a globalised world’.
Window panel from Getty collection reaches six figures at Stair Galleries
01 October 2024A final treasure from the Ann and Gordon Getty collection excelled at the latest sale at Stair Galleries in Hudson, New York.
'Unique' yellow coronation mug sets record for a Ravilious ceramic
01 October 2024A rare colourway of the Ravilious for Wedgwood coronation mug took a bid of £13,500 at Gildings – a record price for Ravilious ceramics.
Ivory Act extension to pass ‘when time allows’
30 September 2024The UK ban on the trade in antique scrimshaw and narwhal tusks has been delayed following the change of government.
Punning box found among bric-a-brac makes four figure sum
30 September 2024Plucked from a box of bric-a-brac brought in for a general sale, a Commonwealth gilt brass sealing wax box sold for £5200 at Lawrences of Crewkerne. A clever pun gives a clue to its maker’s identity - and perhaps his political leanings.
The relics of the Penal Laws that were bought by County Donegal pilgrims
30 September 2024Penal crosses take their name from the series of laws that restricted the rights of Roman Catholics and other nonconformists.
Mystical posters mesmerise collectors at auction
30 September 2024A recent Vintage Posters sale at Swann Galleries (25/20/12% buyer’s premium), a summer staple of the New York auction house, was dominated by three large early 20th century magic posters, each hammering for $22,000 (£16,650).
Sock drawer discovery is medieval gaming piece
30 September 2024A medieval walrus ivory gaming piece, recently found by a Gorringe’s valuer in a sock drawer, comes for sale in Lewes on October 8. As part of the Interiors & Decorative Arts Sale it has an estimate of £10,000-15,000
Furniture & interiors: Market shifts towards the regions
30 September 2024Much of the market for ‘country house’ antiques is now in the hands of UK’s regional auctioneers. Here we review two recent bellwether sales.
Lavery’s tennis match tops sale of works from Paisley Art Institute
27 September 2024A selection of 96 paintings from the collection of the Paisley Art Institute sold for £1.1m at Lyon & Turnbull on the evening of September 26.
Congressional naval medals show dramatic increase in value over two decades
27 September 2024Five historic Congressional naval medals awarded during the War of 1812 excelled at Noonans latest sale of British, World Coins and Historical Medals.
Seeds of success as rare advertising sign sells at three times estimate
25 September 2024A highly desirable British enamel advertising sign surfaced for sale in Scotland where it sold for £11,000.
18th century Irish penal cross brings demand in North Yorkshire auction
24 September 2024Penal crosses take their name from the series of laws the restricted the rights of Roman Catholics and other nonconformists.
Clock with orrery marks a moment in time and space
23 September 2024The highlight of the sale of Fine Clocks, Barometers and Scientific Instruments at Dreweatts was this French mantel clock with orrery c.1810. Although unsigned, it is thought to be by the talented Paris clockmaker Antide Janvier (1751-1835).
Golf narrated as a Greek epic
23 September 2024First printed book dedicated to the game took the intriguing form of a heroic clash on Leith Links
