Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Jewellery auction previews: 18 upcoming lots including a Tiffany Art Nouveau necklace
11 May 2020A selection of stand-out lots coming up at auction
Auction previews: issue 2442
11 May 2020The auction calendar has been much changed by Covid 19 restrictions. However, as indicated by these lots offered for sale in May, some UK auctioneers continue to transact behind closed doors holding ‘live online’ sales with bids taken via bidding platforms such as thesaleroom.com or over the phone. Typically purchases can either be collected safely and couriered, or stored by the auctioneers until the current government guidance is lifted.
Sworders to hold monthly jewellery sales as Jacqueline Adams heads to Tennants
11 May 2020Among the major changes to Sworders’ auction calendar because of the coronavirus lockdown is the addition of a monthly sale of jewellery, watches and objects of vertu.
Joel Arthur Rosenthal – an open secret
11 May 2020The cult following that surrounds publicity-shy Joel Arthur Rosenthal continues to grow. Secondary market prices for JAR fashion jewellery are reaching new heights.
Christopher Dresser shows his spirit of adventure
11 May 2020This vessel with its cluster of bottles around a central conical vase is one of several well-known Dresser-Linthorpe models that owe a debt to pre-Columbian art.
Bronze group purchaser could be rewarded if research confirms Giambologna link
11 May 2020At Keys (20% buyer’s premium) in Aylsham a lot catalogued as ‘a patinated bronze group of a lion attacking a horse’ drew – and to an extent commanded – much attention.
Credence ready for revival
11 May 2020Form, colour and condition are defining criteria in the oak market – and unfortunately this 17th century oak ‘credence’ offered by Claydon Auctioneers (19.5% buyer’s premium) in Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire, on April 27 was a lacking on at least two fronts.
Signatures boost Live Aid poster price
11 May 2020This original poster marks Live Aid, the dual-venue benefit concert held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia on July 13, 1985.
Légion d'honneur sword and early ventriloquist's doll are among five auction highlights that caught bidders’ eyes
08 May 2020ATG’s selection of hammer highlights this week includes a rare French First Empire sword for a Légion d'honneur recipient that made over 35-times estimate.
Chinese blue and white vase sets auction record at online sale
05 May 2020A Chinese blue and white vase achieved a hammer price of over £3m at an online auction that closed in Singapore this week.
Pick of the week: Recognise the face? Probably not, but striking selfie sets major record
04 May 2020A self-portrait by the hitherto little-known Modern British artist Michael Gilbery (1913-2000) sold for a record £10,700 at auction in Lichfield last week.
French auctions prepare to return as Drouot aims to reopen on May 25
04 May 2020The Paris auction centre Hôtel Drouot intends to reopen on May 25, pending “any government counter-argument”.
Is this one’s best side? Rare portrait photographs of the Queen sold in Peterborough auction
04 May 2020This set of nine portrait photographs of the Queen were those used to create Canadian bank notes in the 1960s.
Ancient Greek helmet and Martin Brothers’ vase are among four lots to watch at auction this week
04 May 2020With estimates from £50-9000 here are four previews of upcoming items this week.
Georgian card table at Chorley's stands out from the pack
04 May 2020Such has been the fall in prices of Georgian card tables that it has become the norm for auctioneers to estimate most at well below £1000.
Dr No rubs shoulders with caddies and dishes
04 May 2020Among 83 lots of film and entertainment memorabilia offered at Lacy Scott & Knight (20% buyer’s premium) in Bury in St Edmunds was a British quad-size poster for 'Dr No', the first James Bond film starring Sean Connery released in 1962.
Remarkable Rice collection of porcelain dispersed at Gorringe’s
04 May 2020Across the past 13 months Gorringe’s (21% buyer’s premium) in Lewes has dispersed the remarkable assemblage of English porcelain formed by the collector and academic Dr Dennis G Rice.
Maltese connection lifts maiolica storage jar
04 May 2020The latest Fine Interiors sale at Sworders (25% buyer’s premium) included among the opening lots this large 22in (54cm) high maiolica storage jar.
Welsh wonderland of ceramics manufacturers
04 May 2020From Ewenny to Llanelly, Nantgarw and Swansea, ceramics produced in the region over many years is a strong feature of this market.
Von Brühl’s tailor rides his goat and fabled groups add a light touch
04 May 2020By tradition, Count Heinrich von Brühl (1700-63), chief minister and favourite to Augustus III, was a man famed for his fashion sense. His tailor was thus an important part of his entourage.