Olympia Auctions

The sale of Indian and Islamic art at Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in London on June 5 included two fine private collections of Iznik pottery.

The Parisian workshop of Henri Picq does not have quite the name recognition of Cartier or LaCloche, but it was nonetheless responsible for supplying both houses with some of the most exceptional jewellery of the early 20th century.

A flintlock duck gun hailed as exceptional by Olympia Auctions fully lived up to its billing when it shot past an estimate of £60,000-80,000 to hammer down at £380,000 on June 26.

This large 12in (30cm) hexagonal painted fritware tile from 16th century Damascus is decorated with one of the most recognisable Ottoman decorative motifs - the çintamani pattern.

Two classic 1970s record turntables have been consigned to the 20th Century Design sale at Olympia Auctions on September 20.

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including Olympia Auctions expanding into clocks.

Until late last year, few people involved in the Modern British art market, even veteran dealers, had ever heard of Hedwig Pillitz (1896-1987).

Works by Glasgow Girl Bessie MacNicol (1869-1904) – who died in childbirth aged 34 – are represented in many public collections, especially in Scotland.

A still-life by Sir William Nicholson (1872-1949) that appeared in the final sale of the year at Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) “generated ripples of excitement among private collectors and the trade alike” according to the West London saleroom.

It was with dazzling exhibition pieces that Joseph Rodgers & Sons made its reputation as Sheffield’s foremost knifemaker.

Small is considered beautiful in many sectors but increasingly so when it comes to collecting traditional antiques with space often at a premium.

Stephen Ward (1912-63) will no doubt always be remembered as the man who introduced the model Christine Keeler to the politician John Profumo.

Works that come to auction directly from artists’ estates often have extra appeal due to a combination of factors.

Stellar English, Indian and Turkish pieces are promised at Olympia Auctions on December 6 in west London.

The first stand-alone Chinese and Japanese Works of Art sale at Olympia Auctions in London on November 8 includes this pair of Yongzheng period famille-rose fishbowls on European giltwood stands estimated at £40,000-60,000.

Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) reported some significant overseas interest at its latest Fine Paintings, Works on Paper & Sculpture auction with almost a third of buyers from outside the UK.