UK

Portobello Road antiques dealers have a fresh chance to air their views about police cover in the area now that a public meeting has been rearranged.

The second most significant gem of its type in the country – a Parthian-Sassanian intaglio (in brown-grey agate) – has been stolen from a house near Evesham.

Just three copies of the 1640, first English edition of Nicholas Machiavelli’s short treatise on political leadership have come to auction in this century, the last of them in 2005.

There was a positive air as the third ‘Masterpiece London’ fair closed after a week’s run in its lavish purpose-built pavilion at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Following the successful inaugural fair at the venue earlier this year, the Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association have finalised a date for the second ‘CADA Antique and Art Fair’ at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, next year.

Appearing in Carmarthen on July 24, this illustration of the Polish composer Frederic Chopin by author Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898) was discovered during a routine house call by auctioneers Peter Francis.

A selection of natural pearl jewellery will be included in Woolley and Wallis’ designated sale on July 19 in Salisbury.

This original vintage photograph of Anita Ekberg, best known for her role as Sylvia in the 1960s film ‘La Dolce Vita’, is one of a number taken by celebrated cinematographer and director Jack Cardiff that will go on sale in Newbury at Special Auction Services on July 19.

Two England caps awarded to West Ham goalkeeper Ted Hufton (1892-1967) are to be sold at Plymouth Auction Rooms on July 18.

A large sale of jewellery and watches from Suttons & Robertsons, London’s oldest pawnbrokers, is to be offered at Fellows of Birmingham on July 16.

The strength and depth of the Picasso ceramics market was put to the test when Christie’s South Kensington offered the vast 543-lot Madoura Collection.

Taxidermy is notoriously difficult and expensive to repair so condition is key.

A string of record prices at the latest Old Master sales in London helped the sector to its highest total ever for an auction series.

Previously unknown to scholars, this exceptional pen and ink drawing by Canaletto (1697-1768) set an auction record for a work on paper by the artist at the latest series of Old Master sales in London.

If the people of Sheffield weren’t aware of the vibrant Antiques Quarter right under their noses, they must be now.

Paintings and smaller works of art dating back to the time the first Duke of Wellington moved into the house given to him by a grateful nation have been stolen.

Flick through the pages of an issue of ATG in the 1980s and there are many references to the rising market for Royal Doulton character jugs.

In their silver sale on July 17 and 18, Woolley & Wallis of Salisbury will put up for auction a fine late-Victorian silver-gilt Monteith bowl.

At their country house sale on July 10 in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex auctioneers Sworders will include 11 lots from the collection of Mary Jakeman, a lady’s maid to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his wife at the turn of the 20th century.

ROUND UP: The highlight of the latest silver sale held by Dreweatts of Donnington Priory was this George I Britannia standard chocolate cup.