East Sussex

Ceramic phrenology heads have become ubiquitous following numerous reproductions. However, original 19th century models are much harder to come by.

Twenty-six lots in the Science, Natural History and Curiosities sale at Burstow & Hewett (20% buyer’s premium) in Battle were previously owned by local botanist and entomologist George West.

A rare picture painted in India by Arthur William Devis (1762-1822) depicting a group of Bengali weavers was the subject of dramatic competition at Gorringe’s (25% buyer’s premium) spring fine art and antiques sale.

Sketches and journal by Emily Eden relate to her life in the UK then journey to the subcontinent

Some notable auction action has been generated by the artist Robert Polhill Bevan (1865-1925) over the last few months.

An automaton brass dial longcase clock by Richard Comber of Lewes (1742-1824) is one of the highlights at an exhibition in the clockmaker’s hometown devoted to Adam and Eve.

The opening two lots of Gorringe’s (25% buyer’s premium) Fine Art & Antiques sale on October 3 were leather-bound albums of photographs from British India.

Estimated at £300-500, a group of five hand-coloured prints of early 19th century Canada sold for £8500 at Gorringe’s (25% buyer’s premium) in Lewes.

Is Mason’s ironstone going through a collecting Renaissance? Well, perhaps

In recent times the work of newspaper cartoonists has been reassessed with a nod to its artistic, technical and historical merit.

It is not just Star Wars figures or film posters bringing the big bucks.

Despite its many shortcomings in terms of accuracy and reliability, the flintlock Long Land Pattern smoothbore musket – or Brown Bess to give it its more familiar nickname – remained in use from 1722 until the introduction of the percussion cap in 1838.

Born into a family of artists, James Webb (c.1825-95) became a prolific painter primarily of landscapes, seascapes and river scenes depicting locations around England and Wales as well as the Netherlands, France, Italy and southern Spain.

Philip Taylor is stepping down as managing partner of East Sussex auction house Gorringe’s.

The Weekly Antiques Sale at Gorringe’s on February 27 included this fine Poole Pottery charger.

The quasi-medieval silver and glass ‘claret bottle’ designed by Charles Robert Ashbee for the Guild of Handicraft is one of the great pieces of the Arts & Crafts movement. Ashbee mentions it in his 1909 book Modern English Silver, saying: “The shape is taken from an Elizabethan sack-bottle found when digging the foundations of [my home] the Magpie and Stump in Chelsea.”

A selection of militaria with solid Sussex interest appeared at Lewes saleroom Wallis & Wallis (22% buyer’s premium).

Air Commander J Searby had a key role to play in the Peenemunde Raid targeting the V weapons factory during the night of the August 17-18, 1943, as part of the RAF’s elite Path Finder Force.