Photographica collection stolen
A collection of cameras, photographs and accessories put together by a private collector for over 45 years has been stolen from a storage unit in north London.
The group includes rare cameras and photographs as well as two rare Scioptic balls.
The private individual began collecting in 1973 and hopes members of the trade may be able to help spot some of the items if they are offered on the market.
The theft is believed to have taken place between 9-11pm on April 19. The Metropolitan Police has been notified.
Anyone with information on this theft and the whereabouts of the stolen items should call 101 quoting the Metropolitan Police crime reference number 4908198/20 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. For a list of many of the stolen items see our earlier report.
Figures reveal the lockdown demand
Lockdown in the UK has led to a rise in demand for collectables, watches and memorabilia at auction, according to the new figures released by thesaleroom.com.
Since restrictions were enforced, the number of searches for collectables, watches and memorabilia has risen 19%, 13% and 11% respectively. The figures relate to searches recorded on thesaleroom.com during the first three weeks of lockdown from March 24 -April 13, compared with the three weeks beforehand (March 3-23).
John-Paul Savant, CEO of Auction Technology Group, which owns thesaleroom.com (and is parent to Antiques Trade Gazette), said: “Traditionally during periods of economic uncertainty we would expect to see high demand for items seen as alternative investments – items perceived as a ‘safe haven’ because they hold or increase their value regardless of what is going on in the financial markets.
“That trend is playing out in the activity we’re seeing among bidders at auction. And of course, during a time such as this, others are simply using their time at home to start or continue on their journey of collecting as a hobby.”
Thesaleroom.com experienced a 12% month-on-month increase in new registrants at the end of March. Among the additions to the auction calendar last week were online-only sales at Dawsons, Hannam’s, Keys and Spicers.
Forum has NHS sale well covered
Forum Auctions is hosting a single-lot live online-only sale to raise money for the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal. The artwork to be offered via thesaleroom.com is by urban artist James McQueen.
Ruby Burbidge of Forum next to the James McQueen work being auctioned for the NHS.
His pictures often focus on reworking Penguin Classic book titles. The 6ft x 4ft (1.83 x 1.22m) picture, titled You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone, has a starting estimate of £2000 and was handpainted by McQueen to support the NHS.
Forum Auctions chief executive Stephan Ludwig said: “We are tremendously grateful to James for having created this unique and substantial artwork to raise charitable funds for the Covid-19 Urgent Appeal. Our public healthcare system is performing absolutely brilliantly and the painting’s poignant message underscores one of the more challenging and unpopular debates surrounding the NHS’ future structure.”
The sale will be webcast live at 6pm on Friday, May 8, with Forum’s Rupert Powell on the rostrum. Bids can be placed in advance from noon on May 1.
Bid for a supersize Superman statue
A 6ft 10in (2m) high statue of Superman goes under the hammer at Hartleys’ online charity sale on May 6 to raise money for NHS Charities Together, fighting Covid-19.
Made of fibreglass from a model produced for Superman Returns in 2006, the piece was donated by Shane Swallow of Ossett Antiques and Valuables.
Charles Hartley, director at Hartleys, said: “We have been inspired by so many examples of people doing what they can with what they have to support our frontline carers – and we have an auction house and a very large Superman statue.”
New appointment at Surrey saleroom
Jack Wallis has joined Ewbank’s as auctioneer and head of antique valuations.
He was previously a valuer and auctioneer at Criterion in Islington, and has worked for auction houses and dealers.
Jack Wallis, who has joined Ewbank’s.
Most read
The most viewed stories for week April 23-29 on antiquestradegazette.com
1 17th century longcase clock and first English edition of Moomin book are among four auction highlights that caught bidders’ eyes
2 Auction calendar begins revival via the virtual rostrum
3 Elvis Presley debut single, a Chinese vase and a Victorian snuff box are among five lots to watch at auction this week
4 Dealers Online: ATG's selection of 30 objects available from dealers’ websites
5 Picture dealers unite to hold online auction to help NHS Charities
In Numbers
72%
The percentage of new bidders at Sotheby’s reached through online channels in 2019. This figure looks certain to rise in 2020 as the volume of online offerings increases due to worldwide lockdowns. See News for more on this story.
