Articles From The Experts

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!

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 into sophisticated men’s accessories, examining everything from functional "British" utility pieces to highly coveted designer items. Listen now to hear how figures like Harry Styles and Jacob Elordi are normalising the man bag look, proving that style and investment are finding a new, glamorous canvas.

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 became sources of both nostalgia and profit, and what factors determine the value of a cel.

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 beautiful jewellery.

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 collection. Hear about standout results – pieces estimated in the hundreds selling for thousands – and the stories behind objects that reveal a deeper insight into the life and passions of a true Hollywood legend.