Special Reports

A new consultancy firm has been launched by two former Arts Council advisers, specialising in the UK’s policy and laws governing the movement of cultural property.

Entertainment memorabilia specialist auction house Propstore held some of the most successful sales of 2023.

In Ireland, Adam’s of Dublin held 32 auctions over the course of 2023, raising a hammer total of €13.8m (£12m) which was up from €12.6m in 2022.

Regional firms report that while big buyers remain active the middle level is challenging

Ahead of possible changes mooted for the next year, here two experts explain what the current rules in England and Wales mean for anybody inheriting art, antiques and collectables. By Gregor Kleinknecht, MEUM Law, and Lee Moss, Rawlinson & Hunter

The industry is tackling the thorny issue of sustainability in shipping and delivery for art and antiques

The UK government earlier this year announced it is giving packaging producers more time to be greener: it has deferred new rules to ensure the producers pay for the cost of recycling from 2024 to October 2025.

Beeswax wraps have become a popular alternative for food packaging. Dr Peter Cannon-Brookes, a British art historian and museologist (formerly keeper of art at Birmingham and at the National Museum of Wales), looks at the history of the waxed cloth and why beeswax could be important for the future of sustainable packaging

It’s more than three and a half years since Britain left the EU on January 31, 2020.

Many auction houses find offering a packing and delivery option too costly and time consuming especially for a wide variety of items from an 18 piece dinner service to a dining table and 12 chairs.

In the first test of the post-Covid era many of the UK’s top salerooms posted strong figures for art, antiques and luxury items across the calendar year.

An expert view on how post-Ukraine invasion restrictions are giving the art market plenty to think about

The US, UK, EU and other countries have directed a slew of sanctions and restrictive measures at Russia which have seen the closure, suspension or quietening down of operations in Russia by international banks and companies, including some major international auction houses.

Auctioneers get together to hear the latest market trends and top tips for 2022

Firms selling second-hand items such as antiques can now quantify the environmental advantages thanks to a new report. They can also improve their competitive edge by auditing and publishing their own green credentials.

Auction Technology Group recently worked with carbon research consultants Small World Consulting to discover just how positive an impact buying second-hand items at auction can have on the planet.

The auction industry plays an important role in accelerating the growth of the circular economy with the evolution of online auctions helping to facilitate the market for second-hand goods.

Much is made about the green credentials of antiques but transporting them can affect their carbon footprint

Green issues are coming to the fore but the focus for art and antiques delivery firms in the past year has been dealing with Brexit and the pandemic.

Fifteen years ago an auction was held which heralded the online transformation in the bidding process and opened sales up to potential buyers across the world