Print Edition

Many of the most famous artists and designers of the Art Deco era were employed to decorate the interiors of the luxury liner SS Normandie, a virtual floating palace to that most glamorous of inter-war design movements.

Where do antiques fit into current interior design thinking? We took three decorators on a whistle-stop tour of Kensington Church Street to gather their views on trends in furnishing with antiques and dealing with dealers.

In an era when much-loved galleries and antiques shops are disappearing from UK high streets, it is reassuring to know that, in London at least, the art and antiques trade continues to congregate – and indeed thrive – in the areas it has made its own for half a century or more. Here’s a guide to the best-known London dealing quarters.

The grande dame of the UK summer fairs scene marks its 45th year in West Kensington

ATG’s selection of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com from the period May 18-24, 2017. This includes both the highest prices over estimate and the top prices paid online.

Seventy years ago, councils around the UK launched Pictures for Schools, a scheme to bring original works of art into the classroom.

Watercolours by the polar explorer Apsley Cherry-Garrard (1886-1959) were discovered among thousands of works from Stanley Studios in Chelsea.

The autograph sale held by Swann (25/20/12% buyer’s premium) in New York on May 4 included a musical quotation in the hand of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the theme from the finale of his Orchestral Suite No.3 in G Major (Op.55), which sold for $14,000 (£10,855).

“It has to be accessible. We don’t want to over-egg it. Trying to make Old Masters ‘sexy’ is not going to happen. But there are ways to get people interested.”

A Boston museum has doubled its reward to $10m to find artworks stolen 25 years ago. This sum will be offered until December.

An age away from the controversy, skulduggery and sky-high prices that have too often characterised the antiquities market of late, the world of the quiet academic’s study came to the Macclesfield rooms of Adam Partridge (15% buyer’s premium) on April 6-7.

Even in the days of online catalogues, internet bidding and timed sales, the importance of bricks and mortar premises for an auction house can hardly be overstated.

Here ATG presents a selection of the exhibitions, fairs, auctions and events that can be found in London during the busy summer season.

Annual West Sussex event held for the third time is busy throughout its three-day run...

Like Petworth, Lewes is a place known for its antiques shops. A nearby fair running from June 2-4 provides a chance for visitors to get an extra dose of shopping.

Rebecca Beach is gallery director at British Modern art dealership Offer Waterman. The gallery is currently staging an exhibition of the works of Alison Wilding, 'Acanthus, asymmetrically' which runs until June 21.

MADAM – I read with interest your story about Evelyn Dunbar’s Joseph’s Dream, which set a world-record price for the artist of £73,500 (£60,000 hammer) at Cheffins on May 11 (ATG No 2292).

Dealers are heading to the capital from far and wide. ATG chats to some of them to find out their hopes for this busy time.

Fairs aren’t the only option for dealers wanting to make a mark during London’s summer season. Some dealers are heading ‘outside the tent’ to focus on creating their own space.

A selection of the furniture and works of art on offer from auction houses and dealers in London this summer.