Features

The Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association hosts more events in this sector than any other organiser.

Negotiating the sometimes complex world of prints by the 17th century Dutch Master

In what was the auction house’s most successful sale ever in financial terms, and one that boasted a 97% selling rate, a March 4 sale at Potter & Potter (20% buyer’s premium) was led at $65,000 (£49,240) by a 'Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen’s Captivity from the Time of his Being Taken by the British, near Montreal… in 1775, to the Time of his Exchange…in May 1778'.

This Victorian ‘Language of Flowers’ fan was published by Robert Canton c.1875 and is on offer at The Ephemera Society Summer Fair.

Market continues to thrive and evolve as a new chapter begins in the Forum Auctions story

An historically significant document dating from 1785 and a previously unrecorded campaign handbill concerning the election that saw Thomas Jefferson become the third US president were highlights of a February 17 sale at Freeman’s (26/20/12% buyer’s premium).

The six lots described here are drawn from a hugely successful sale of comics and comic art held in Dallas by Heritage (20% buyer’s premium) over four days, from April 7-10.

Two upcoming lots at US book auctions.

Seldom does the stereotypical image of the rare book specialist fit the current generation of dealers and auctioneers. Members of the 21st century book trade come from all walks of life with their interests and areas of specialisation just as varied. ATG speaks to five members of the trade to discover their route into rare books.

Though it is the pineapple that is most prominent, it is the assortment of creatures that flutter around, climb or emerge from its leaves that are the principal attraction of this coloured plate, below.

Dealer Tim Bryars previews this year’s London Map Fair with an eye on current collecting trends

If social media makes you feel like Big Brother is watching you, and if truth occasionally feels stranger than fiction, then like many bibliophiles you might be exploring books that suggest models for society and the role of the individual.

A selection of 14 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK and overseas.

Three upcoming UK book auctions

But Brexit red tape is the talk of the trade as favourite fair returns to Old Town Hall

Can you tell your foxing from your deckle edge? Or quire from collation? Here is a handy guide to some of the terms used in the books and works on paper collecting field.

Charterhouse (25% buyer’s premium) has been holding auctions of classic cars, motorcycles and automobilia for nearly 20 years.

Lyon & Turnbull’s Fine Asian & Islamic Works of Art auction includes this Longquan yuhuchun vase with carved decoration from the early Ming period.

Described by Bonhams (15% buyer’s premium) as “the ultimate in rally equipment from the 1960s”, a pair of stopwatches mounted on an original Heuer plate intended to be attached to the dashboard of a racing or rally car received a suitably enthusiastic response.

European subject matter adorns this rare 18th century painted enamel ‘Jesuit’ bowl.