Features

“I have gazed upon the face of Agamemnon”. Arguably the most famous words in archaeological history, they were supposedly uttered by German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1876 as he unearthed a gold mask at Mycenae. Some 140 years later, portraits from antiquity remain powerful reminders of our ancient past.

Delivery of art and antiques is highly competitive as suppliers vie to provide customers with a better, faster experience. But there are still complexities to iron out, not least expectations on cost.

On Twitter last week, auctioneer and TV pundit Paul Laidlaw vented about a high quote for delivery that far exceeded the cost of the object he was buying.

Among several unusual clocks included in the 328-lot dedicated auction to be held in Paris on June 26 by Chayette et Cheval is this 3¾ x 2¾in (9.5 x 7cm) reveil briquet (lighter alarm clock).

In recent years, Bonhams has uncovered several previously unrecorded English Golden Age clocks and at the sale of Fine Clocks on June 29 it will be presenting a recently discovered longcase clock by London maker John Fromanteel.

In 1953 Pan Am Airlines approached Rolex with a request for a watch that could show the time simultaneously in two different time zones.

Figural clocks combining novelty and automaton features were very popular in the 19th century, many of them being of French manufacture.

Not all the clocks that go under the hammer feature in dedicated horological sales. Pictured here is a selection of some recent highlights at Sotheby's auctions from mixed-discipline sales.

Established in London in 1735, jeweller Garrard has had a long association with the British Royal family.

ATG's special report on horological highlights with superb examples of modern craftsmanship, auction previews and results, and the world of wall clocks described by expert Edward Burd...

For the serious collector of vintage Rolex Submariner wristwatches, the devil is in the dial detail. Dial variations found in this watch model were produced in low numbers and are therefore highly sought after.

Wall clocks are fashionable these days. Open most publications with an interiors feature and one will probably be displayed: in the kitchen, dining room or hallway. What is the reason for their popularity? One person who knows is Edward Burd, wall clock collector for 40 years and dealer for 15.

Where do antiques fit into current interior design thinking? We took three decorators on a whistle-stop tour of Kensington Church Street to gather their views on trends in furnishing with antiques and dealing with dealers.

In an era when much-loved galleries and antiques shops are disappearing from UK high streets, it is reassuring to know that, in London at least, the art and antiques trade continues to congregate – and indeed thrive – in the areas it has made its own for half a century or more. Here’s a guide to the best-known London dealing quarters.

The grande dame of the UK summer fairs scene marks its 45th year in West Kensington

“It has to be accessible. We don’t want to over-egg it. Trying to make Old Masters ‘sexy’ is not going to happen. But there are ways to get people interested.”

Even in the days of online catalogues, internet bidding and timed sales, the importance of bricks and mortar premises for an auction house can hardly be overstated.

Here ATG presents a selection of the exhibitions, fairs, auctions and events that can be found in London during the busy summer season.

Dealers are heading to the capital from far and wide. ATG chats to some of them to find out their hopes for this busy time.

Fairs aren’t the only option for dealers wanting to make a mark during London’s summer season. Some dealers are heading ‘outside the tent’ to focus on creating their own space.