Death, Divorce, Debt and Disaster. These are the four Ds, as they are known, that have traditionally defined why people decide to sell their belongings at auction. Now, I am adding another two: Downsizing and Decluttering. These can both apply as much to collectors...

It never ceases to amaze me how what are, frankly, in my opinion a series of unattractive daubs flung together in the name of Contemporary art can make millions at auction when highly accomplished and rather beautiful Victorian landscapes can be had for buttons. A...

Getting the asking price right is as much a skill at chattels auctions as it is when putting your home on the market: price it too high and you can kill demand, but undercook it and you risk giving it away. Overexposure over a prolonged period tends to raise questions...

When something is aesthetically appealing, beautifully made or intrinsically valuable, it is easy to see why bidders will compete for it at auction. Rarities, too, command attention, and for the rarest even poor condition can be no barrier to an impressive hammer...

For all you romantics out there, the impending excitement of Valentine’s Day is doubtless at the front of your minds right now. But you should also know that it is an exciting theme for collectors, because vintage Valentine cards have all the attributes required for...