Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Straw blimey: the Sworders view over a decade
14 May 2018Buildings constructed out of straw bales sound more like the world of Channel 4’s Grand Designs rather than the often solidly traditional realm of art and antiques auctioneers.
Oriental art is latest specialist sale for Suffolk saleroom
14 May 2018Suffolk auction house Bishop & Miller is holding its first-ever specialist Oriental Art and Antiques Sale on May 24.
Auction house movers and shakers – including Roseberys appointing a former Christie’s specialist
14 May 2018A look at the latest saleroom appointments, including Roseberys appointing a former director and works of art specialist at Christie’s.
Summers Place Auctions marks a decade of quirky offerings
14 May 2018Whether you’re in the market for mammoths or missiles, for 10 years Summers Place Auctions has been a likely destination. In 2008 SPA held its first auction, having been formed the year before.
Honours from the other Duke of Cambridge
14 May 2018The honours of the last Duke of Cambridge (before Prince William) will be in the spotlight at a London auction this summer.
New Spink medals head praises reinforcements
14 May 2018“Full steam ahead” is the battle cry of Marcus Budgen, the soon-to-be head of the medals department at Spink. He is due to replace David Erskine-Hill who is leaving that role following an ‘offer he can’t refuse’ – to be the curator of the best collection of Victoria Crosses in the world.
Archive of most famous hangman Albert Pierrepoint up at auction in West Sussex
11 May 2018It must have broken the ice at parties: ‘So, what do you do?’ Reply: ‘I’m a hangman…’
Dalek playsuit for when little ones want to exterminate, exterminate
10 May 2018I could wax lyrical about the full-size Dalek coming up for auction at a Staffordshire auction house Richard Winterton on May 21. But various versions tend to be offered relatively frequently, to be honest. How often do you have the chance to buy a ‘Dalek Playsuit’, though?
Writing box secret drawer reveals a sharpshooter pistol rather than sharp nib
09 May 2018When we wrote about Charles Miller’s latest auction in London one of the star lots was a magnificent Asprey travelling case for the gentleman who needs everything. However, it was missing one particular item which a writing box on offer at the Dominic Winter May 18 sale provides.
Honours of the previous Duke of Cambridge before Prince William come to auction in London
08 May 2018The Duke of Cambridge, aka Prince William, has been in the news recently for obvious reasons but it is the last holder of the title before him who will be in the spotlight at London auction house Sotheby’s this summer.
Remarkable military insignia collection displays its charm at Thomas Del Mar auction
08 May 2018Collectors can be a hard bunch to predict. When an extensive group comes to auction – one of the best of its type – the buyers’ response may be strong across the board, or it can be seen as a sudden glut on the market and only the top items get picked off.
Fresh details and opening date announced as V&A Photography Centre clicks into action
07 May 2018More details and a launch date have emerged for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s new Photography Centre.
Ottawa museum buys Canadian VC group
07 May 2018One of the finest Victoria Cross medals awarded to a Canadian recipient will be staying in Canada thanks to a successf ul fundraising campaign.
Movers and shakers: appointments in the auction house world
03 May 2018A look at the latest moves in the trade.
Silver centrepiece up at auction is a reminder of rich regimental histories
02 May 2018Among the rich history of the British military is the story of regimental silver. As regiments are disbanded or amalgamated much of this history has been in danger of fading away, but these magnificent examples of silver help to keep memories alive.
Busby contract demands the beautiful game
30 April 2018Manchester United fans grumbling about the current style of play will be interested to learn that when Matt Busby joined as manager he was contractually obliged to play entertaining football.
Matt Busby first Manchester United contract up at auction demands attractive football style
26 April 2018Forget Jose Mourinho being criticised for a stultifying style of play at Manchester United – when Matt Busby started as manager of the Red Devils he was contractually obliged to play entertaining football.
Spink specialist takes role as Lord Ashcroft’s medals curator
23 April 2018Spink medals specialist David Erskine-Hill is leaving to take over as Lord Ashcroft’s medals curator on the retirement of Michael Naxton.
The trailblazing bicycle design made instantly redundant by the pneumatic tyre comes to auction
20 April 2018You have to feel some sympathy for the innovative designers Charles Linley and John Biggs. Having just perfected a classic bicycle using an ingenious method of shock absorbing for a solid-tyre bike, then the pneumatic tyre came along.
Magnificent travelling case for the gentleman who needs everything is up at auction
18 April 2018Nowadays a ‘gentleman’ travelling is probably more concerned about a mobile phone charger than the delights contained in an extraordinary case coming up at auction on May 1.