Articles From The Experts

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 auction and insurance figures that show just how easily two seemingly similar pieces can land worlds apart in value. Along the way, he explains why "Tiffany style" and genuine Tiffany are far from the same thing and what collectors and owners really need to know before they find out the hard way.

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 and props. Fiona shares what it was really like in the room as history, romance and cinema collided, and why this sale was about so much more than money.

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 drives collectors around the globe to chase these rare pieces of literary history, and why a name synonymous with a beloved children's classic now commands attention alongside the biggest names in fine art.

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 multi-million-pound pieces of cultural history. It's a story about craft, memory, and the moments in music that money apparently can't put a ceiling on.

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 adding to a serious collection, this episode reveals the questions you need to be asking before you ever reach for your wallet.

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 candid stories, surprising connections, and a few famous names you won't see coming. Listen now to this extraordinary conversation about one of art's most overlooked disciplines, guaranteed to change how you look at "bumpy" art forever.

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 changing taste leaving one Old Master out in the cold. Listen now for the full story behind the numbers, and what it says about where collectors' appetites are headed this summer. 

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, and why even seasoned collectors are being caught out by today's "super-clone" fakes.

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!