Auctions

News and previews of art and antiques sold at auctions throughout the UK and overseas, from multi-million-pound blockbusters to affordable collectables.


Casino Royale first edition by Ian Fleming

James Bond’s big number comes up in Carlisle auction as ‘Casino Royale’ first edition takes £22,500

29 June 2017

The novel that introduced the world to James Bond, ‘Casino Royale’ of 1953, has long been a key target for collectors. Anyone who laid out 10/6d for a copy over 60 years ago and has kept good care of the book will have done themselves or their descendants proud.

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Dambusters bouncing bomb release button on offer at auction for the first time

28 June 2017

The bomb release button from the Lancaster bomber of 617 Squadron that released the ‘bouncing bomb’ which destroyed the Möhne Dam on May 17, 1943 is being offered at auction for the first time.

Max Beckmann

Auction record for Beckmann at Christie’s as 'Birds' Hell' sells for £32m hammer

27 June 2017

Max Beckmann’s terrifying image of hell, representing the horror of the Nazi regime in Germany, has sold at Christie’s for a record-breaking £32m hammer price to dealer Larry Gagosian.

Family Group by Henry Moore

Asian buyer wins bidding battle for Henry Moore’s family group at Christie’s auction

27 June 2017

A bronze family group by Henry Moore (1898-1986) led Christie’s evening sale of Modern British & Irish art in London last night, selling at £3.3m to an Asian collector.

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Focus on the war artist friend of Eric Ravilious who also went missing in action

27 June 2017

It may seem a blindingly obvious thing to say, but being a war artist can be a dangerous business. Eric Ravilious, now one of the most sought-after Modern British artists, was never seen again after joining a Second World War rescue flight which itself ended up as missing in action.

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Pick of the Week: Bidders go ape for rare Sèvres teapot

26 June 2017

A Sèvres teapot from the Louis-Philippe era sold for an unexpected £13,000 (plus 20% buyer’s premium) at Kingham & Orme in Broadway, Worcestershire, on June 17.

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New world record price achieved for Australian artist at auction

26 June 2017

A painting by UK-born Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale (1912-1981) has fetched AUD$2.97m when it was sold by Mossgreen in Adelaide on Sunday 25 June. The price is the fifth highest at auction for any Australian artwork.

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Massive faience charger leads Burmantofts bonanza

26 June 2017

A massive Burmantofts faience charger sold for £13,000 (plus 22% buyer’s premium) at Woolley & Wallis of Salisbury on June 22 – the highlight of a remarkable collection of more than 700 pieces by the Leeds factory.

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Safety first as miners’ lamp shines at Cirencester auction

26 June 2017

A miners‘ lamp lit up bidding at a Cotswold saleroom to set a record for a George Stephenson model.

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Small and simple miniature book... but big price at auction

26 June 2017

An exceptionally rare miniature book, a 'Kalendarium Evangelia' printed by Christopher Plantin in Antwerp in 1570, measuring just 35mm high appeared at a recent Bonhams sale.

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Previews: £2001 - £5000

26 June 2017

ATG’s weekly selection of items on sale at auctions and dealerships.

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Ancient pottery under the spotlight

26 June 2017

Ancient pottery is the most abundant and diverse collecting field to have survived from antiquity. As the first synthetic material created by humans, it spans the entire ancient world, encompassing a wide variety of styles, shapes and colours. From functional household objects to highly prized ceremonial pieces, pottery appeals to both entry level collectors and seasoned buyers. Here ATG puts ancient pottery in the spotlight with a selection of highlights coming up at auctions, fairs and galleries in London this summer.

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You’re so 19th century, darling

26 June 2017

It is tempting to write off 19th century pictures as passé. A field relegated to the dusty corners of the art market, while contemporary art reigns supreme.

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Christie’s auction call to prayer in London

26 June 2017

More 19th century pictures will go under the hammer this summer at auction houses in London. Christie’s dedicated sale in King Street on July 13 is led by a collection of 46 Orientalist works.

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London auction call to arms

26 June 2017

Showing some internal staining, browning and other soiling, this 1517 Lyon printing of one of the works of GB Castiglione, a humanist and sometime tutor to the future Elizabeth I, sports a contemporary English binding of blind-stamped calf.

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Panthers go on the prowl in Paris

26 June 2017

The panther is a big cat much favoured by sculptors – not only the animaliers but also those who searched for a stylishly sleek motif during the early 20th century, where it can be seen depicted on screens and vases as well as in the round.

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Mark Law to revive general sales at Dreweatts

26 June 2017

The new owner of Dreweatts in Newbury is to bring back a monthly general sale.

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Previews: £5001 - £30,000

26 June 2017

ATG’s weekly selection of items on sale at auctions and dealerships.

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Collection of Greenwich's The Spread Eagle pub consigned to Gorringes

26 June 2017

Until its conversion into a pizzeria and cocktail bar three years ago, The Spread Eagle pub in Greenwich had hardly changed since its origins as a 17th century coaching inn.

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Bid Barometer

26 June 2017

ATG’s selection of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com from the period June 15-21, 2017. This includes both the highest prices over estimate and the top prices paid online.

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