North-east England

Texting and Zooming have practically taken over our busy lives and taking time out to write a card, let alone a letter, seems like too much of a stretch. Yet UK Pen Shows, which runs dedicated fairs at five UK locations, is thriving.

'Freedom is in Peril Defend it with all your Might' was a British propaganda poster published by the Ministry of Information.

Appearing at a time of increased market interest in pioneering female artists, a portrait by Elizabeth Cameron Mawson (1849-1939) set a significant new artist’s record at Newcastle saleroom Anderson & Garland (25% buyer’s premium).

Event launched in the north-east becomes latest to be staged at an ever-popular racecourse venue

A private collection of militaria and weapons belonging to a proud Scotsman, Douglas Anderson, comes for sale at Anderson & Garland in Newcastle in the autumn.

An FA Cup winner’s medal belonging to a Newcastle United goalkeeper who won the trophy with the Magpies 100 years ago sold for £7800 on June 27.

The McClure Arctic Expedition of 1850 was one of the Franklin rescue missions but ended up with the ironic fate of getting trapped themselves.

In use at Ford as a blacksmith’s forge until the 1970s, these days it is known as Old Forge Antiques where you can find gents’ vintage clothes, antiquarian books and much more.

The Beehive in Alnwick, which offers the “largest second-hand vinyl collection in the North” has been owned by Mark and Sam Hobrough for seven years.

When antiques-hunting in Northumberland, the fine market town of Morpeth is well worth a visit.

The privately owned Ford & Etal Estates is described in tourism-speak as “one of Northumberland’s best kept secrets”.

The importance of an original box in good condition to the value of a toy is well known. But what about a display without any toy in sight, box or no box?