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Louis XVI gilt walnut chair

Marie-Antoinette’s chair sets an auction record

02 January 2024

Among the star attractions at the 60-lot evening sale of works from the collection of Hubert Guerrand-Hermès (1940-2016) at Sotheby’s Paris was a carved and regilded Louis XVI chair.

Bowler sculpture

Howzat for a marble sculpture thought to be one of the first depictions of a cricketer

02 January 2024

A white marble sculpture of a young man holding what appears to be a cricket ball flew away from its estimate to bring $30,000 (£23,700) at Andrew Jones (25% buyer’s premium).

William Nicholson still-life

William Nicholson still-life doubles top estimate at west London auction

02 January 2024

A still-life by Sir William Nicholson (1872-1949) that appeared in the final sale of the year at Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) “generated ripples of excitement among private collectors and the trade alike” according to the West London saleroom.

Christie's auction

Auction sales totals for top auction houses sum up a year of fluctuation

02 January 2024

Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Bonhams revealed mixed annual sales figures indicating the ups and downs of the art market in 2023.

MADA Fair

New Midlands art fair details announced

02 January 2024

Early details of the new spring fair organised by Stable Events in association with LAPADA at Birmingham’s NEC have been announced.

Lucie Rie flaring footed porcelain bowl

‘True masterpiece’ bowl brings a new auction high for studio potter Lucie Rie

18 December 2023

The market for Lucie Rie ceramics continues to reach new heights.

Jussi Pylkkänen

Pylkkänen steps down from the Christie’s rostrum for the final time

18 December 2023

Christie’s latest series of ‘Classic Week’ auctions were the last conducted by global president and lead auctioneer Jussi Pylkkänen before leaving the company to become an independent art adviser.

Florence Nightingale

The ‘final photos’ of Florence Nightingale

18 December 2023

A fascinating personal collection of items relating to Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) that sold in a south London auction included what are among the last photographs ever taken of her.

Anthony Browne

UK imports process set to become easier

18 December 2023

Importing art and antiques into the UK via the Temporary Admissions (TA) procedure could soon become easier following government plans for a strategic review and simplification of the system.

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Getty Museum reveals three Old Master purchases from different European sources

18 December 2023

The Getty Museum has announced the acquisition of three Old Masters which were all bought this year from separate European sources.

Linocut by Cyril Power

Bring me sunshine: Rare Cyril Power linocut in demand at Bonhams

18 December 2023

Many of Cyril Edward Power’s (1872-1951) most sought-after subjects for his futurist-style linocuts involve different methods of public transport.

‘English School’ plumbago on vellum portrait miniatures

Pick of the week: Scientist made his living as a painter

18 December 2023

The most remarkable result at Cheffins’ Fine Art Sale in Cambridge was provided by a group of four ‘English School’ plumbago on vellum portrait miniatures.

Apple Boutique mural

Pioneering journalist with a ticket to ride

18 December 2023

She was the first female broadcaster to be heard on Radio 1 and the only journalist to accompany the Beatles during a four-day coach trip when they filmed their Magical Mystery Tour TV special.

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Export stop for Coper vase commissioned as Moore gift

18 December 2023

A bottle vase by the famed studio potter Hans Coper which was owned by the world-renowned sculptor Henry Moore has been blocked from export in the hope a UK institution can raise the £600,000 price tag.

Hans Coper vase

Call for UK museum to buy rare Hans Coper bottle vase owned by Henry Moore

13 December 2023

A bottle vase by the famed studio potter Hans Coper which was owned by the world-renowned sculptor Henry Moore has been blocked from export in the hope a UK institution can raise the £600,000 price tag.

A photo of Lawrence Prentice’s mother

Hang on… that’s a photo of my mum you’re selling

11 December 2023

A dealer at Old Spitalfields Antiques Market was surprised by an early morning chance discovery.

Victorian travel album

Indian and Egyptian travel photo album takes sensational £135,000

11 December 2023

An impressive result emerged at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood on December 5 when a travel album titled The Ramblings and Adventures of an Indian Officer was knocked down at £135,000.

Piano

Ashbee name is key to piano case appeal

11 December 2023

A recently rediscovered version of one of the best-known Guild of Handicraft designs is up for sale at Sworders.

Caspar David Friedrich sketchbook

Romantic painter Friedrich’s sketchbook emerges in saleroom as a rare survivor

11 December 2023

Without doubt, the sensation of the German auction season was the emergence of a sketchbook belonging to the German romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich at Grisebach (32/27% buyer’s premium) in Berlin.

Henry Wikeley

Auction house Duke’s opens London office

11 December 2023

Duke’s Auctioneers of Dorchester is opening a consignment office on Hans Road in London’s Knightsbridge.

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