Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Eros and the grasshopper
30 March 2020This Grand Tour-era ring sold at Great Western Auctions (20% buyer’s premium) in Glasgow features an unusual banded carnelian intaglio carved with a putti holding the leg of a large grasshopper.
Self-portrait shows Barry in a sorry state
30 March 2020Two versions of a rare mezzotint self-portrait by the Irish artist James Barry (1741-1806) excelled when offered for sale at Forum Auctions. Both plates, one an unrecorded proof impression, the other possibly inscribed by the artist, took multi-estimate sums from online bidders.
Poniatowski ‘fakes’ bring £15,500
30 March 2020This collection of 10 carnelian intaglios carved to depict classical figures and scenes once formed part of the collection of Prince Stanislas Poniatowski (1754-1833). His past possessions are always of interest to collectors.
Timely reminder of Byron in the saleroom
30 March 2020Association with the name boosts value as part of a sale dedicated to the poet.
Vendors support Lyon & Turnbull’s move to sell online
27 March 2020The Edinburgh and London auction house Lyon & Turnbull is to press ahead with its two April sales as ‘live online only’ events. The firm’s sales of Decorative Arts: Design since 1860 (April 1) and Contemporary & Post-War Art (April 16) will feature auctioneer Gavin Strang on the rostrum in Edinburgh but no one else in the room.
Rembrandt self-portrait, yachting watch and a portrait by a British society artist – five auction highlights that caught bidders’ eyes
27 March 2020ATG’s selection of hammer highlights this week includes an early self-portrait print by Rembrandt selling at 40 times its top estimate and a portrait of a young woman by British ‘society’ artist Ambrose McEvoy.
Online bidders snap up rare James Barry prints at Forum Auctions
26 March 2020Two versions of a rare mezzotint self-portrait by the Irish artist James Barry (1741-1806) excelled when offered for sale at Forum Auctions. Both plates, one an unrecorded proof impression, the other possibly inscribed by the artist, took multi-estimate sums from online bidders.
Historic archive of Second World War floating harbour designer bought at auction by museum
24 March 2020An historic archive belonging to the engineer who oversaw the design of the Mulberry Harbours in the Second World War has been bought by a museum after being offered at Mitchells’ auction last week.
A market still ticking as pocket watches bring demand at Lawrences of Bletchingley
23 March 2020A superb collection of 61 pocket watches drew strong demand at a Surrey auction last week as remote bidders, using the phone and online platforms, competed for some outstanding 17th, 18th and 19th century examples.
Pick of the week: Rare The Who poster – once in a Blue Moon chance for collectors
23 March 2020The Blue Moon, a club above Burton’s on Cheltenham High Street, existed for less than two years from July 1965 to May 1967, but in that time the compact 250-capacity venue with a tiny stage hosted Elton John, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, The Yardbirds and (on February 11, 1967) Jimi Hendrix.
The biggest of bids for the biggest of Staite Murray pots
23 March 2020The recent sale of Clarice Cliff, Art Deco & Design at Woolley & Wallis in Salisbury included 27 works by the studio potter William Staite Murray (1881-1962).
Go With Noakes: Rozenburg collection sold in Dorset
23 March 2020The collection of Rozenburg pottery and porcelain belonging to the late children’s television presenter John Noakes (1934-2017) was sold at a recent auction in Dorchester.
A Queen Anne-style giltwood dressing mirror and a First World War propeller chair are among four lots to watch this week
23 March 2020With estimates from £1000-10,000 here are four previews of upcoming items this week that you can view and bid for remotely.
Previews: £2001 - £5000
23 March 2020Our weekly selection from salerooms. Please note, due to the rescheduling of events in relation to the coronavirus outbreak, we strongly advise any bidders to check in advance that the auction will take place as planned.
Huge competition for Chinese export plates with Jacobite Highlands scenes
23 March 2020Among the most recognisable of all the famille rose porcelain designs produced in China for export to Europe are the so-called ‘Scotsmen’ or ‘Highlander’ plates.
Previews: £5001 - £30,000
23 March 2020Our weekly selection from salerooms. Please note, due to the rescheduling of events in relation to the coronavirus outbreak, we strongly advise any bidders to check in advance that the auction will take place as planned.
Portraits of mystery young women catch the eye in auctions
23 March 2020Two alluring early-20th century British school portraits of attractive young women caught the eye in recent regional sales. Both modestly estimated, they brought similar four-figure sums.
Previews: Up to £800
23 March 2020Our weekly selection from salerooms. Please note, due to the rescheduling of events in relation to the coronavirus outbreak, we strongly advise any bidders to check in advance that the auction will take place as planned.
Previews: £801 - £2000
23 March 2020Our weekly selection from salerooms. Please note, due to the rescheduling of events in relation to the coronavirus outbreak, we strongly advise any bidders to check in advance that the auction will take place as planned.
Doulton Lambeth frogs and cricketers make for a lively sale
23 March 2020A c.1880 Doulton Lambeth stoneware tobacco jar and cover was one of the pleasant surprises at a recent David Duggleby (18.75% buyer’s premium) sale in Scarborough.