Features

A library of works relating to hunting, horseriding and dogs assembled over a 40-year period by a hunting historian, the Comte d’Orglandes, went under the hammer on April 12 at Deloys (22% buyer’s premium inc tax) in Angers, part of the Ivoire group.

A lively market has emerged for the linocuts of Great Bardfield artist Edward Bawden

François Pierre de la Varenne (1618-78) is the chef credited with bringing French cuisine into the modern era.

'Cattle Market, Braintree' from 1937 is a trademark Edward Bawden image. But it is also the artist’s only pre-war editioned print.

'A Magician Among the Spirits' by Harry Houdini conjured up one of the highest prices in the Potter & Potter (20% buyer’s premium) Houdini-related sale in Chicago on April 8 when it sold for $15,000 (£12,095).

The Negro Motorist Green Book, first produced in 1936, was the indispensable guide for African-American families travelling.

Despite volatility in so many markets, the rare book world continues to offer a calm respite, as Rupert Powell of Forum Auctions writes

Amy Scanlon, head of Modern and Contemporary art at Sworders of Stansted Mountfitchet, discusses her affection for Bawden prints

The first 90 or so lots in Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr’s (27.5/26/20/14.5% buyer’s premium) sale of Islamic and Indian Art held in Paris on April 6 were the property of a Royal collection.

Australian dealer coming to the UK for Firsts describes the attractions of the Chelsea event

A group of signed drawings by royal fashion designer Norman Hartnell (1901-79) was offered at Richard Winterton (22% buyer’s premium) on February 15.

A 1920s-30s platinum and 18ct gold french diamond and emerald bracelet and a ring said to have been given by Edward VIII to Wallis Simpson sold for £42,000 (guide £25,000-35,000).

Bonhams’ flagship sale of Fine Chinese Art in Bond Street on May 18 includes a rare Qianlong period ink on silk court painting.

This special edition of A Japanese Collection (1898) by Michael Tomkinson (1841-1921) is one of the first 25 copies printed on Indian paper and is signed and dedicated by the author to his daughter Dora.

This medical spoon bears the crest and inscription The Princess Sophia (the 12th child of George III and Queen Charlotte).

This pair of wucai floral wine cups have Guangxu marks and are of the period (1875-1908).

This blue and white drug jar was made in Edo period Japan, c.1650, for the Western market.

A sketch book filled with drawings by Queen Victoria will be joining more than 4000 pieces of her art at the Royal Collection Trust.

Two oil paintings by Queen Victoria believed to date to the second half of the 19th century were found among family heirlooms in a Surrey cottage.

This Art Deco sapphire and diamond brooch, c.1925, cased by Collingwood, was a gift to Princess Margaret from her grandmother Queen Mary, on her confirmation on April 15, 1946, when the princess was aged 15.