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Yankel Feather was a distinctive British painter whose colourful figure studies, still lifes, and landscapes earned increasing recognition over a career spanning more than six decades. Although he worked alongside and befriended notable post-war artists such as L.S. Lowry and Terry Frost, Feather remained an independent voice, creating deeply personal works inspired by memory, observation, and lived experience. Born in Liverpool in 1920, Feather grew up in poverty near the ci

When it comes to espionage fiction, few names carry the cultural weight of James Bond. Created by Ian Fleming in 1953, Bond debuted in the novel Casino Royale, launching one of the most successful franchises in literary and film history. Fleming went on to write 12 novels and two short story collections featuring the British Secret Service agent, known by his codename, 007. Ian Fleming wrote Casino Royale, the first novel in the James Bond series, whilst staying at his Jamaic

Gene Moore joined Tiffany & Co. in 1955 as a window display designer, and soon became renowned for his avant-garde installations and collaborations with leading contemporary artists, including Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns. Over the course of his thirty nine year career at Tiffany, Moore designed more than 5,000 windows and is widely regarded as the most influential window designer of the twentieth century. Audrey Hepburn appeared as the iconic Holly Golightly in fro

I’m often asked where my interest in antiques began, and well, it’s a bit of a long answer, so you’ll have to bear with me and read on….. You have to turn the clock way back to the 1960’s, when London was swinging and my father took on a stall on the Portobello Road. I came along in 1972, and my earliest memory is staring up from my pushchair at the rag and bone man with his horse and cart on the corner of Portobello Road. I could only have been two or three years old at the

A Record-Breaking Catalogue The September sale featured our largest catalogue of the year, boasting over six hundred lots. This diverse collection included art, antiques, collectibles, jewellery, and even a modern classic sports car. As the price of gold has continued to rise since the beginning of the year, we witnessed remarkable prices achieved for jewellery. Highlights of the Sale One standout item was a ladies' 18ct gold Omega watch. This exquisite timepiece sold for £3,

The Caterpillar Club: A Tribute to Survival The Caterpillar Club is made up of a rather special group of people who have successfully used a parachute to bail out of a failing aircraft, thus saving their lives. Founded in 1922, the term ‘caterpillar’ refers to the silk threads that went into making the original parachutes. This name recognizes the debt owed to the silkworm for producing those essential threads. The Significance of the Caterpillar Club Caterpillar Club members

What is Valuation Day? Valuation Day is a significant event in the financial calendar. It is the day when the value of assets is assessed. This assessment is crucial for various reasons, including investment decisions, financial reporting, and tax purposes. Understanding the valuation process can help individuals and businesses make informed choices. The Importance of Accurate Valuation Accurate valuation is essential for several reasons. First, it helps in determining the fa

Unraveling the Mystery of Pirate Treasure For anyone who’s ever read Treasure Island or seen the film, the words “Pieces of Eight” evoke images of Long John Silver’s parrot and adventures on the high seas. As a history enthusiast, I am always captivated by the stories behind auction items. When an old Spanish silver coin appeared at a recent valuation day, I was transported back to my childhood. The excitement of reading about pirates, desert islands, and treasure flooded my