News in Brief including the launch of a major Martin Brothers show

An eclectic selection of Martin Brothers wares to be included in the Kinghams exhibition.

13 Mar 2023

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Martin Brothers exhibition launch

Cotswold auction house Kinghams is to hold an anniversary exhibition marking 150 years since the inauguration of the Martin Brothers pottery and a century since the death of modeller Robert Wallace Martin.

Featuring more than 100 pieces on loan ‘from collectors across the globe’, it will be followed by an auction of approximately 40-50 objects.

The exhibition runs at Kinghams’ Moreton-in-Marsh auction centre from Monday, March 17, to Saturday, April 1. A talk titled The Martin Brothers, A Centenary Celebration by leading authority Christopher Jordan takes place on March 27. The auction including at least five bird jars is on May 5.

Founder George Kingham, who has been selling Martin Brothers pottery for over 30 years, first as a dealer and currently as an auctioneer, says the event will be the first major exhibition of its type in over 45 years.

However, it will not be the only one held this year. Woolley & Wallis specialist Michael Jeffery is planning an exhibition in Salisbury in the summer.

New appointments at Lyon & Turnbull

London and Edinburgh auction house Lyon & Turnbull has appointed a new chairman and raised a specialist to board level.

Iain Mackinnon, who founded a financial services firm in 1997, is the new chairman. Director of Garsington Opera and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he serves on the boards of numerous public and private companies. His appointment follows the death in May last year of founding chairman and shareholder Sir Angus Grossart.

Iain Mackinnon and Philip Smith of Lyon & Turnbull.

Philip Smith, head of L&T’s Modern art and design department in London, is being made a director of the company. He spent a decade with Mallams before joining L&T in 2018.

Managing director Gavin Strang said the two appointments are part of L&T’s desire to be seen as a British – not just a Scottish – brand. He added: “Their geographic location in London and the south is very much part of the company’s continued focus on building a nationwide brand.”

Ownership change at Pierre Bergé

French auction house Maison Pierre Bergé & associés has been bought for a reported €70,000.

It has been purchased by auction house owner Alexandre Landre, investor and former French minister Arnaud Montebourg, Landre’s brother François and auctioneer Richard Bédot.

Landre owns auction house Alexandre Landre with locations in Beaune, Semur-en- Auxois, Nancy and Paris. He has taken a 55% stake of the newly acquired firm while Montebourg owns 20% with François and Bédot owning the remainder. Bédot will become operational auctioneer of Pierre Bergé in Paris.

Wartski chairman Snowman dies

Jewellery and Fabergé specialist Wartski has announced the death of owner and chairman Michael Nicholas Snowman.

Snowman, who died unexpectedly on March 2, held many roles across the arts sector including chief executive of the Southbank Centre and general director of opera company Glyndebourne. He became chairman of Wartski in 2002 on the death of his father Kenneth. Wartski said in a statement: “Nicholas Snowman was an enthusiastic supporter of the firm founded by his great-grandfather Morris Wartski, as are his widow Margo Snowman Rouard and his son and Wartski vice-chairman Hector Snowman.”

Wartski’s Kieran McCarthy said: “We are all in shock; his sudden death is a tragedy. He was an exceptional man and part of London’s longest-standing antique dealing dynasty. Wartski and its achievements were a love of his and he was immensely proud of the firm. His care for and loyalty to others is a rare quality and he will be dearly missed by us all.”

BADA Young Friends start mag

The front cover of Inherited magazine launched by BADA’s Young Friends.

The British Antique Dealers’ Association’s Young Friends group has launched a monthly magazine, Inherited.

BADA’s Young Friends, founded in 1998, organises events and talks and the magazine is an extension to the activities. It has been launched by BADA’s newest team member Bethany Hodges, administrator and events co-ordinator.

Inherited will include advice on collecting, interviews, stories from the BADA archives as well as a focus on environmental concerns.

In Numbers

£30,000

The remaining amount needed to be raised by The National Museum of the Royal Navy to keep Captain Henry Kellett’s (1806-75) polar exploration flag in the UK. The flag was temporarily blocked from export to allow for fundraising and the museum has secured most of the £120,000 needed.