Fine Art

Despite being buffeted by the vagaries of fashion and now the modern crusade against antique ivory, portrait miniatures have managed to keep a keen collecting base.

Among the works attracting interest at a recent Bellmans (22% buyer’s premium) sale were two pictures formerly in the collection at Shakenhurst Hall.

Old Master and a string of heavy hitters boost an encouraging event despite challenging times

How can an enthusiast create a museum-quality collection without vast sums of money?

“I couldn’t have started collecting without the help and guidance of Robert Bayne-Powell (1910-94).

When collecting portrait miniatures it is important to know what materials have been used.

The works of Modern British artist Mary Fedden (1915-2012) are accessible and have a wide appeal. Despite a spike in her prices following her death, these days they are relatively affordable too.

A newly discovered first edition copy of Francisco Goya’s most celebrated printed work, 'Los Caprichos' (The Caprices), is up for auction at Butterscotch in Bedford, New York, on December 4 with an estimate on request.

The market presence of Sarah Biffin (1784-1850), a portrait miniaturist born without hands, arms and legs, has been rising over the past few years.

A dealer has identified a design for a cenotaph to Antonio Canova (1757-1822) in time for the 200th anniversary of the Italian sculptor’s death.

As well as working in marketing for various major fairs and dealers, Duncan Phillips of Somerset deals in his own right, specialising in 19th and 20th century watercolours and studio ceramics

Highest price in five years is achieved for Manchester School and Staithes Group artist

Judging by recent events, members of the Conservative Party might well look back longingly to the days of Margaret Thatcher when Britain’s first female prime minister brought a comparative measure of stability to government.

This English watercolour of a Chelsea Pensioner c.1900, priced at £500, is among the offerings at the Christmas 2022 exhibition held jointly by former business partners Malcolm Innes and Anthony Woodd.

'Paris Photo', the French capital’s annual fair dedicated to photography, holds its 25th edition at the Grand Palais Ephémère from November 10-13.

Despite wider economic uncertainty, prices for LS Lowry (1887-1976) seem to keep on rising.

According to Munich saleroom Ketterer, the 3ft 4in (1.02m) square painting N. O. 9th . Ward, which is part of the sale on December 9, is the first work by the American artist Stanley Whitney (b.1946) ever to be offered at a German auction.