Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Jewellery: How the circles of life affect values at auction
30 September 2019A poignant background story or strong suggestion of original ownership greatly adds to the appeal of early jewellery finds often unearthed by metal detectors
The four ‘Cs’ – and the right location
30 September 2019Coloured diamonds aside, rubies command higher prices per carat than any other gemstone. Graded using the traditional criteria of the four Cs (colour, cut, clarity and carat weight), they are also evaluated on the basis of geographic origin with the stones from Burma commanding the most interest.
Russian rarities from the McGills of Moscow bring interest at Gildings
30 September 2019A sale at Gildings in Market Harborough this month included 10 lots from the family of Albert and Nora McGill – influential industrialists credited with a key role in the founding of Russia’s cotton mill industry in the mid-19th century.
Harry Potter first edition, James Cook voyage medal and micromosaic wall plaques – five auction highlights that caught bidders’ eyes in the last week
27 September 2019ATG’s selection of hammer highlights over the past week includes a first edition of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone’ that created a bit of auction magic at Chiswick Auctions.
Pick of the week: Rare example of a surviving maestrophone sells at 20-times estimate in Nantwich auction
23 September 2019Until electricity became commonplace in homes, the power source of choice for the gramophone was a spring motor that required frequent winding. One unusual solution to silent interludes at the dinner dance was to power the device by hot air.
Two George II tables bring major sums in regional rooms
23 September 2019Two English furniture ‘discoveries’ excelled against modest hopes at auction in mid-September. Top-end London dealers bought both pieces.
Rogers Jones to offer one of the best-known images in Welsh art in Cardiff auction
23 September 2019A second version of one of the best-known images in Welsh art comes for sale in Cardiff next month.
Five lots to watch at auction this week including an Arctic sledge flag, a Royal Academician’s cup and a model train
23 September 2019With estimates from £800-6000, here are five previews of upcoming sales this week.
Worcester mug rides crest of bidding wave
23 September 2019While typically it is the very earliest pieces of Worcester porcelain from the 1750s that excite the market, there is always great interest in documentary pieces.
Studio ceramics: Collection from the home of a pioneering gallerist offered at Mallams
23 September 2019Peter Dingley (1923-2018), who died last year aged 95, is a name synonymous with the best of modern British craft. David Whiting, author of 'Modern British Potters & Their Studios' (2009), described him as “a remarkable member of the small band of post-war pioneering gallerists who supported British ceramics”.
Modern British Art: Rediscovered Cedric Morris painting to be sold to benefit Benton End
23 September 2019Proceeds of painting by artist-plantsman Cedric Morris will benefit Benton End – the house where it was painted and home of the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing
