Special Reports

At a swell party in the heart of Chelsea, with the Taittinger Brut Reserve free-flowing, BADA 2019 exhibitors could be forgiven for relaxing after days of stand set-up.

The contribution of Britain’s ‘regional’ salerooms – defined here as those outside the big London four of Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Bonhams and Phillips – is frequently overlooked when figures demonstrating the size of the UK auction market for art and antiques are created.

The rise of the ‘young classics’ has helped the market become accessible to investors across all prices. Nigel Boothman talks to auctioneers and experts about accelerating trends for 2018. He also looks at the motorbikes and automobilia markets.

A coin that a set a record for a British five pound piece features among the hammer highlights for coins and banknotes sold across the year at auction.