Auctioneers

Agnete Hoy (1914-2000) brought her own distinctive style to the ailing Doulton Lambeth factory, reviving the traditional decorative methods of earlier artists to make contemporary stonewares from 1952 until the studio closed in 1957.

Recent sales show the appetite for Chinese art from bidders with deep pockets is not at all diminished

'Freedom is in Peril Defend it with all your Might' was a British propaganda poster published by the Ministry of Information.

Appearing at a time of increased market interest in pioneering female artists, a portrait by Elizabeth Cameron Mawson (1849-1939) set a significant new artist’s record at Newcastle saleroom Anderson & Garland (25% buyer’s premium).

Nagel’s (29.5% buyer’s premium) first sale dedicated to Fine Arts and Luxury in Stuttgart obviously caught the mood of the bidders.

Highlights from the estate of Max Clendinning and Ralph Adron sold at Sworders

Instantly recognisable and with a perfect provenance, a painting by Salvador Dalí (1904-89) more than lived up to its expectations at a sale held by Artcurial Beurret Bailly Widmer (22% buyer’s premium).

One of the more unusual items on offer at Tennants’ (20% buyer’s premium) Summer Fine Sale was a lock of hair from the 19th century nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale (1820-1910). It was thought to have been cut in 1883 when she was 63 years old.

This Celtic silver ‘ribbon’ torc, or armlet was made – perhaps in Ireland – sometime in the period between c.500BC-500AD.

While the famous railway poster featuring the Jolly Fisherman (see ATG No 2653) promoted Skegness, the example shown here was intended to tempt holidaymaker to another Lincolnshire seaside resort.

Leading several modestly pitched highlights at Ewbank’s (25% buyer’s premium) in Surrey last month was this signed charcoal portrait of a girl by Welsh painter Augustus John (1878-1961).

Swiss collectors were in a generous mood at Koller’s (25/22/15% buyer’s premium) recent Zurich auction.

German artist Hans Bellmer (1902-75) explored themes of desire, sexuality and the subconscious mind through his surrealistic sculptures, drawings and photographs.