Essex

Scale models such as these Grand Tour-era plaster of Paris models of classical temples were used as prototypes by architects and inspiration for their own designs

Found by a mudlark along the Thames in the early 2000s, these three well-preserved 1st-2nd century leather shoes would have once protected the feet of Roman children in Londinium.

On April 25, in conjunction with The Worshipful Company of Art Scholars, Sworders hosted an all-day event at its Stansted Mountfitchet auction room, welcoming 30 students from Birchwood, a state secondary school in nearby Bishop’s Stortford.

Among the highlights of Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) Fine Interiors sale was a collection of antiquities formed by the late Sir Clinton Charles Donald Cory (1937-2022), 5th Baronet of Coryton.

The familiar heart symbol - that today is ‘read’ as love - made its first appearance as a rebus in the late Medieval era.

Withers and Dailey selections follow hot on the heels of Turpin lots with plenty of fine art highlights

Although the late antiques dealer Maurice ‘Dick’ Turpin (1928-2005) may have been better known for his expertise in furniture and works of art, he also had an eye for a painting.

Heading Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) January 16 Design sale in Stansted Mountfitchet was a recently rediscovered version of one of the best-known Guild of Handicraft designs.

For Emma and Steve Cooper of Haddon Events, their calendar is a whirlwind of events in Essex, Hertfordshire and Greater London including antiques and vintage fairs, vintage fashion fairs, classic car and country shows and a community street event.

This 19th century glazed wooden case containing musket balls, ceramic fragments and three complete clay pipes was eagerly contested at auction.

Sending the old year out with a bang, a George III brass mortar by Jan Verbruggen took £49,000 (plus 25% buyer’s premium) at Sworders.

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