Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Festive cheer from royalty
01 May 2023This Christmas card sent by the royal family was offered among a small group of memorabilia at Keys (22% buyer’s premium) of Aylsham on March 29-31.
Beating the drum for Queen Elizabeth II
01 May 2023This drum major’s uniform is from the era of Queen Elizabeth II, as indicated by the big, gilded-thread monogram E II R under the crown.
Presents for a princess from a queen
01 May 2023This Art Deco sapphire and diamond brooch, c.1925, cased by Collingwood, was a gift to Princess Margaret from her grandmother Queen Mary, on her confirmation on April 15, 1946, when the princess was aged 15.
Raise a toast to the queen
01 May 2023South London auction house Roseberys is offering this 1947 Pommery Rose Royal Extra Sec Champagne, France, which has a royal connection.
Pins were a personal gift from Queen Victoria
01 May 2023Cotswold saleroom Kinghams (23% buyer’s premium) offered a series of four stick pins gifted by Queen Victoria.
Styles sculpture tribute to mark Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh silver wedding anniversary
01 May 2023Alex Styles (1922-2017) was in 1966 given a glowing accolade in The Times: “Many think he is the finest designer of hand-made silver in England.”
Letters reveal heartbreak of Princess Di
01 May 2023A collection of 32 letters and cards written by Diana, Princess of Wales to two friends came for sale at Lay’s (18% buyer’s premium).
Queen Mother caught in sculpture form for the final time
01 May 2023Dreweatts of Newbury will offer a selection of royal-related works in its Interiors sale on May 16.
Items from royal milliner Kate Day appear in the saleroom
01 May 2023Kate Day, known as the ‘Queen’s Milliner’, made hats for Queen Elizabeth II even before her coronation and continued afterwards.
Royal role of pioneering photographer Wilding
01 May 2023Pictured here is a signed photo-portrait of the 20-year-old future Queen Elizabeth II and her then 15-year-old younger sister, Princess Margaret.
Wilding portraits on offer in west London
01 May 2023Two signed royal portrait photographs by Dorothy Wilding (1893-1976) will be offered at Chiswick Auctions.
A John Aldridge Great Bardfield picture is among five lots to watch
24 April 2023With estimates from £150, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
A silver-gilt bell used at George II's coronation is among five lots to watch
17 April 2023With estimates from £200, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
A rare South African Dinky toy car is among five lots to watch
10 April 2023With estimates from £280, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
A triptych design for church windows by artist John Piper is among five lots to watch
03 April 2023With estimates from £400, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Dictionaries at the double at Newcastle auction
03 April 2023First published in 1755, Samuel Johnson’s 'A Dictionary of the English Language' had taken eight years to compile with six helpers.
Lucie Rie bowl given to her cleaning lady is among five lots to watch this week
27 March 2023With estimates from £300, here are five previews of items coming up at auction.