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 becomes something to own.

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're trying to work out what's sitting on your shelf.

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 one surprise result that defied every expectation. Along the way, he asks what today's buyers really want from the art of the past, and whether the old masters can still compete for their attention.

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 think twice about what's sitting in your loft!

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 the famous eggs and finds out what's happening to some of the great historic pieces.

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 on something that has no equal? Along the way, she reveals how professional valuers hunt for value when there's nothing directly comparable to go on and why that's a puzzle no algorithm can solve for you.

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've ever wondered whether you're actually covered for what you think you are, this one's worth a listen.

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 auction market and reflects on the powerful personal story behind those iconic polka dots. Tune in to find out why, decades on, her work shows no sign of slowing down.

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 alike. Plus, she reveals what this resurgence could mean for the true value of heirloom pieces sitting quietly in collections right now, and why many of them might be worth far more than owners realise.