Articles From The Experts

In this episode, Contemporary Art Specialist Jonathan Horwich follows British street art from the back streets and railway arches, where it was once written off as vandalism, to the galleries and auction houses that now prize it. Along the way, you’ll hear about the artists who changed how we see the walls around us, and discover some surprising ironies about what happens when art made for free be...

In this episode, Asian Art Specialist Ashley Innes turns a piece of Chinese porcelain upside down and shows why the real story often starts at the bottom. Marks, symbols and the odd sticker can tell you a great deal, but they can also lead the unwary astray. Along the way, she explores why even seasoned collectors get caught out, and what role technology should (and shouldn't) play when you&#3...

In this episode, Old Master Specialist David Dallas asks whether the bottom end of the Old Master market is in terminal decline. After 57 years in the business, David has rarely seen estimates as modest as the ones at a recent London sale, and yet many of the paintings still failed to find a buyer. He looks at the lots that were left behind, the quiet bargains that hint at a market in flux, and on...

In this episode, Senior Valuer & Watch Specialist Alastair Meiklejon explains why a battered old trunk can make us dream of ocean liners, Riviera suites and a far better holiday than the one we're actually having. He takes a wry look at the grand names behind vintage luggage and the extravagant journeys they were built for. Along the way, there's an auction result that might make you t...

In this episode, Jewellery Specialist Milly Grounds steps behind the curtain of a London exhibition celebrating the 180th anniversary of one of the most famous names in jewellery. She reveals a rare survivor from the workshop of a legendary master, and shares why individuality mattered so much to Russia's high society. Along the way, she takes in some surprising treasures that go well beyond t...

In this episode, Asian Art Specialist Ashley Innes takes us inside the British Museum's sold-out Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, the first time this thousand-year-old masterpiece has ever been on UK soil. Ashley shares what it was like to be there on opening day, and uses the tapestry's eye-watering insurance figure to explore a question every collector eventually asks: how do you put a price...

In this episode, Senior Valuer Alastair Meiklejon explains why the paperwork you do before disaster strikes matters more than the paperwork you scramble for afterwards. From burglaries to burst pipes, he unpacks how a professional valuation can turn a stressful, drawn-out claim into a clear and quick one — and reveals the surprising area of the home most people forget to properly protect. If you'v...

In this episode, Asian Art Specialist Ashley Innes talks us through the extraordinary rise and legacy of Yayoi Kusama. From a childhood on a Japanese farm to becoming one of the most recognisable artists in the world, Ashley traces her journey from the counterculture scene of 1960s New York to blockbuster collaborations with luxury fashion houses. She looks into what's really driving her booming a...

In this episode, Jewellery, Silver and Watches Specialist Liz Bailey tells us about the glittering world of 'Egyptomania' — the Egyptian Revival trend taking 2026's jewellery scene by storm. From a record-smashing tiara at auction to major jewellery houses unveiling collections inspired by pharaohs and goddesses, Liz explores why this century-old aesthetic keeps captivating collectors and buyers a...

In this episode, Helen Doyle looks at Autumn exhibition recommendations from some of the Doerr Dallas specialists. From couture jewellery and centuries-old tapestries to Old Master portraits and icons of modern art, the team share the exhibitions they're most excited about this season. Whether your taste runs to fashion, fine art, ceramics or photography, there's a recommendation here to inspire y...

In this episode, Senior Valuer & Watch Specialist Alastair Meiklejon explores the magic of Tiffany glass, pieces that can look almost muddy in daylight, then burst into colour the moment the lamp is switched on. He traces the story behind the name everyone knows but few truly understand, reveals the surprising hands that shaped some of its most iconic designs, and digs into eye-watering auctio...

In this episode, Silver Specialist Fiona Hamilton takes us inside Bonhams' much anticipated Outlander auction, from the buzz of the saleroom on New Bond Street to the hammer prices well above their pre-auction estimates. Hear about fierce bidding wars, a surprise celebrity guest who couldn't resist stepping up to the rostrum himself, and the extraordinary craftsmanship behind the show's costumes a...

In this episode, Contemporary Art Specialist Jonathan Horwich looks at the work and legacy of E. H. Shepard, the artist behind Winnie-the-Pooh. Listen now to hear why his original drawings have become some of the most sought-after works in the illustration market. From record-breaking auction sales to the subtle details that separate a good Shepard from a truly great one, Jonathan explores what dr...

In this episode, Senior Valuer & Watch Specialist Alastair Meiklejon looks at why a battered old guitar, a scuffed piano or a torn drumhead can suddenly be worth more than most houses. From a legendary Pink Floyd Strat that shattered auction records, to the instruments behind Nirvana's most iconic performances, Alastair unpacks the strange alchemy that turns wood, wire and electronics into mul...

In this episode, impressionist, post war & contemporary art specialist, Ben Hanly looks at what it really takes to buy art with confidence. From spotting the red flags that separate a genuine masterpiece from a costly mistake to the paperwork most buyers forget to ask for until it's too late — Ben shares the insider checklist collectors swear by. Whether you're eyeing your first purchase or ad...

In this special webinar episode, Alastair Meiklejon chats to Jonathan Howich about Modern British Sculpture. From Henry Moore's studio shelves stacked with bones and beach finds to the giants of British art who turned everyday objects into monumental form, Jonathan shares decades of first-hand expertise on why sculpture has long lived in the shadow of painting and why that's changing. Expect candi...

In this episode, Old Master Specialist David Dallas looks at the July Old Master Sales in London, a summer season that delivered a few genuine surprises alongside some notable disappointments. David reviews what sold, what didn't, and why. Hear about a nearly-400-year-old painting with a fascinating half-finished history, a record-breaking wildlife scene hiding an unnoticed detail, and a case of c...

In this episode, jewellery and handbag specialist Helen Doyle looks at the hidden clues that separate a genuine luxury handbag from an increasingly convincing fake. From the secret code stamped into every serial number to the exact number of stitches on a Chanel flap, and the tiny logo on a zipper that almost nobody thinks to check. Helen reveals the small details counterfeiters keep getting wrong...

In this episode, Asian art specialist Ashley Innes looks at Chinese snuff bottles. Discover how these exquisite miniature art forms tell stories of culture, history, and craftsmanship. She'll explore their origins, the artistry involved in their creation, and what makes them so enduringly fascinating. Listen now to lean about the secrets behind these delightful artifacts! Hosted on Acast. See acas...

In this episode, senior valuer & watch specialist Alastair Meiklejohn looks at the fashionable world of the modern gentleman's bag. Once relegated to mere 'civilized convenience,' the man bag is currently having a massive moment, thanks to major cultural shifts like the World Cup and high-profile celebrity adoption. Alastair reveals how the focus has shifted beyond just women’s handbags and in...

In this episode, Contemporary Art Specialist Jonathan Horwich talks about his collection of original Disney animation cels. Discover why these unique, hand-painted pieces, which are essentially early sheets of transparent celluloid used in filmmaking appeal so strongly to art collectors, historians, and animation enthusiasts. Jonathan explains the history of these remarkable artworks, how they bec...

In this episode, jewellery specialist Aurélia Turrall looks at the new Treasure Island collection from Van Cleef & Arpels. This gorgeous new collection inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, captures everything from ancient maps to mythical characters. But it’s not just about the treasures themselves; Aurélia also discusses the incredible artistry that goes into producing this b...

In this episode, senior valuer & collectibles specialist Stephanie Connell looks at the fascinating personal collection of iconic actress Diane Keaton auctioned at Bonhams in the US. From self-portraits selling for far above estimate, to furniture reflecting her Californian roots and love of Spanish Colonial design, discover how her discerning eye shaped a unique and highly sought-after collec...

In this episode, jewellery and watches specialist Liz Bailey looks at the rising popularity – and rising prices – of the Tiffany HardWear collection. Exploring the iconic, bold gauge link design, Liz discusses how this collection, inspired by a 1962 Manhattan bracelet, has become one of the most coveted and recognisable contemporary styles. With price points ranging from £282 to an impressive £255...

In this episode, senior valuer & watch specialist Alastair Meiklejon looks at the enduring appeal and surprising market value of Arts and Crafts furniture. Learn about the craftsmanship of movements like The Cotswold School, including the work of Ernest Gimson, The Barnsleys and Peter Waals. While Robert Thompson, or 'Mouseman,' remains the most recognisable name, we look at the true value and...