Some of Europe’s oldest collections have recently been broken up: are there many left, and who is buying the books?

Rumours of a Sotheby’s valuation have encouraged talk of auction

Despite lukewarm predictions and no blockbuster items there was increased buyer confidence

Contemporary art sales '94 auction report

Very few bronzes survive from this period, making the piece a remarkable find

Decorative arts no longer the Cinderella

The auction houses bring out six long-held major estates to tempt collectors

Francis Bacon’s “Pope” fetches top price at Sotheby’s

Raphael’s “Madonna of the Pinks” has now been firmly reattributed after cleaning

Legal complexities ensue, with deceit, conspiracy and covert dealing surrounding the treasures history becoming certain

Populist legislation involves no more “chandelier” bids, loans to buyers, or secret reserve

Ruedi Staechelin appointed leadership role

After Warhol and Johns, it’s the turn of the globe-trotting