Articles From The Experts

In this episode, impressionist, post war & contemporary art specialist, Ben Hanly takes a detailed look at the current state of the art market. Despite facing challenges from global inflation, political instability, and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the art market demonstrated resilience in 2023-2024. While overall sales decreased by 4%, high-value artworks continued to fetch impressive prices, indicating sustained demand among collectors. The rise of online sales further fuelled market activity, showcasing the evolving landscape of art acquisition. Although economic concerns impacted discretionary spending, particularly at the top end of the market, the art world continues to navigate these complexities with a blend of cautious optimism and enduring passion for collecting.

In this episode, silver specialist, Fiona Hamilton looks at the history and cultural significance of the quaich, a traditional Scottish two-lugged bowl. She explores how the quaich evolved from simple wooden forms to elaborate silver pieces, often engraved with intricate designs. Today, the quaich remains a cherished symbol of Scotland's heritage, representing hospitality, trust, and the enduring bonds between its people.

In this special episode, modern & contemporary art specialist, Jonathan Horwich pays tribute Frank Auerbach who passed away earlier this month. One of Britain's most important painters, he left behind a legacy of intensely personal and raw works. Shaped by his experience as a Jewish refugee during World War II, Auerbach poured his emotional depth and complexity into portraits and cityscapes. While deeply private, Auerbach's influence on fellow artists, particularly Lucian Freud, was profound. His work continues to inspire viewers with its honesty, integrity, and unflinching exploration of the human condition.

In this episode, jewellery, handbag & wristwatch specialist Helen Doyle unveils a treasure trove of information in her essential guide to buying designer handbags. A must listen for anyone interested in acquiring or investing in luxury handbags, Helen delves deep into the intricacies of authenticating high-end bags from renowned brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. She goes beyond simple visual cues, exploring subtle details such as serial numbers, hardware quality, stitching patterns, and packaging specifics, empowering you to confidently identify genuine items and avoid costly counterfeits. So, whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into the world of luxury handbags, this guide is an invaluable resource that equips you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate this exciting market.

In this episode, jewellery, silver & watches specialist Liz Bailey explores the history and enduring appeal of Cartier’s Tortue wristwatch, originally designed by Louis Cartier in 1912 and named for its tortoise-shell-shaped case. The Tortue gained a unique status, evolving from a simple watch into Cartier’s first chronograph in 1928. The Tortue has retained its value over the years, with new limited-edition models released in 2024 gaining attention for their exclusive design and limited availability.

In this episode, jewellery specialist Aurélia Turrall explores The Boodles National Gallery Collection, a special collection of jewellery created by Boodles to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery. This collection draws inspiration from the artistic themes and techniques of famous paintings held in the gallery, translating them into exquisite jewellery pieces. The collection is organised into four themes; perspective, brushstroke, motherhood and play of light. Each piece in the collection is meticulously designed to reflect the essence of the artwork, blending fine craftsmanship with art-inspired symbolism.