Bellmans

Ralph ‘Randolphus’ Ayres is recorded as being head cook at New College, Oxford at various times in the 18th century.

Roman Cieślewicz (1930-96) and Jan Lenica (1928-2001) were both founders of the Polish School of Posters, the influential and creative artistic movement that sprang up under strict Soviet rule.

A collection of close to 100 Arts & Crafts belt buckles formed just part of the remarkable Anthony Gardner collection sold by Bellmans (25% buyer’s premium) in Wisborough Green, West Sussex, on April 16.

Works consigned by family descendants of artists proved to be an intriguing aspect of the latest Old Master, British & European Paintings sale at Bellmans (25% buyer’s premium).

A monumental painting of an Old Testament subject, which came to auction in a gloomy state, drew a remarkable bidding battle at a West Sussex sale.

This large rectangular earthenware trough, measuring 20in (21cm) across the handles, is part of the range of flower containers made by the Fulham Pottery for the society florist Constance Spry (1886-1960) from the mid-1930s to the 1950s.

Collection of dealers who founded a shop and popular brand is up for sale next month in Sussex, offering more than 600 lots in a dedicated sale

The first part of a sale offering the contents of a house on Belgrave Square went under the hammer at Bellmans (25% buyer’s premium).

Collector who helped Madonna on road to stardom becomes the centre of attention in West Sussex saleroom

By the time the Baltars ceramics painting workshop was established in 1925 the country where it was founded – Latvia – had been accepted by the international community as independent for just four years.

A couple of cat pictures made bidders’ whiskers twitch of late.

Born into a Jewish Orthodox family in Brooklyn, New York, Seymour Stein (1943-2023) discovered his love of pop music early on, listening to records and memorising Billboard magazine’s charts.

Needing work but with an impeccable pedigree, this striking drop-dial wall clock topped the day at Bellmans (25% buyer’s premium).

William Christian Symons (1845-1911) had a varied career, working as a designer for Royal Doulton but also in a wide range of roles.

A later but good copy of George Stubbs’ (1724-1806) famous painting Portrait of The Royal Tiger earned its stripes when it emerged at auction.

Having featured prominently on television in a specially made part of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Paddington Bear hardly needs any more publicity.

The record-setting piece of Beswick pottery at a recent sale at Potteries Auctions (20% buyer’s premium) – a rare variant of a shire horse model that fetched £11,300 (ATG No 2569) – was not the only lot bringing notable demand.