News at Forum Auctions

Jack Shirreff at 107 Workshop: The Collection of a Master Printer

On Wednesday 2 July, we are thrilled to present the auction Jack Shirreff at 107 Workshop: The Collection of a Master Printer. Jack Shirreff’s 107 Workshop, was established in the late 1970s in Wiltshire, England, and emerged as a pivotal force in modern printmaking renowned for its innovative techniques and collaborative spirit. The studio was founded by Shirreff, a master printer and former tutor at the Bath Academy of Art.

Timeless Literature by Celebrated Authors at Auction: J. R. R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was not only a celebrated novelist but also a distinguished linguist, dedicated scholar, war veteran and one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. His mother Mabel played a formative role in Tolkien’s early development, instilling in him a deep appreciation for storytelling, languages and the natural world. Read on to discover more about J.R.R. Tolkien and explore some of his works that have sold at Forum Auctions.

Salvador Dalí Auction Highlights

Salvador Dalí and Paul Delvaux: European Masters of Surrealism | Wednesday 11 June 2025
On Wednesday 11th June, we have our auction Salvador Dalí and Paul Delvaux: European Masters of Surrealism. Salvador Dalí’s work is defined by a vivid and often unsettling dreamlike quality, rooted in his deep association with the Surrealist movement. He created scenes that defy rational understanding, filled with bizarre juxtapositions, symbolic imagery, and hallucinatory landscapes. Dalí was fascinated by the irrational and the subconscious, and his art reflects a deliberate effort to escape conventional logic and instead explore the depths of the human psyche.

Paul Delvaux Auction Highlights

Salvador Dalí and Paul Delvaux: European Masters of Surrealism | Wednesday 11 June 2025
On Wednesday 11th June, we have our auction Salvador Dalí and Paul Delvaux: European Masters of Surrealism. Paul Delvaux’s work is characterised by a distinctive dreamlike atmosphere that sets it apart from much of 20th-century painting. His canvases often resemble scenes from silent dreams or theatrical tableaux, where time seems suspended. He used muted lighting and frequently nighttime settings to instil a sense of mystery and timelessness, immersing the viewer in an eerie, contemplative world.

Van Cleef & Arpels Sapphire and Diamond Jewels from the Ann Fleming Estate

Fine Jewellery | Thursday 12th June 2025
This June, our sister company Dreweatts are holding their Summer Fine Jewellery auction, a standout highlight is a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels yellow sapphire and diamond brooch, accompanied by a matching pair of earrings. These exquisite pieces once belonged to Ann Fleming, the wife of literary icon, Ian Fleming, who is best known as the creator of the legendary spy, James Bond.

Timeless Literature by Celebrated Authors at Auction: Ian Fleming

English author, journalist, and former naval intelligence officer Ian Fleming is best known as the creator of the greatest fictional spy hero, James Bond. Drawing heavily on his wartime experiences, Fleming crafted a character that would captivate readers and later, moviegoers, around the world. In 1952, while staying at his Jamaican retreat, Goldeneye, he penned his first Bond novel, ‘Casino Royale’, introducing the world to the suave and unflinching British secret agent, 007. Read on to discover more about Ian Fleming and explore some of his works that have sold at Forum Auctions.

Proud Sponsors of PBFA's London Rare & Antiques Book Fair

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th June 2025
We are delighted to sponsor this year’s PBFA London Rare and Antiquarian Book Fair. This highly anticipated event will showcase thousands of rare and collectable books, maps, prints, and ephemera, attracting book lovers, collectors, and professionals from all walks of life.

Rare Autograph Letter by One of the Youngest Victims of the Titanic

Fine Books, Manuscripts and Work on Paper | Thursday 27th March 2025
Included in the auction is a rare and seemingly unpublished letter which is an extraordinary account of history’s most infamous maritime disaster. Written by sixteen-year-old Thomas Cupper whilst aboard the RMS Titanic and posted from Queenstown, Ireland.

Rupert Humphries shares fond memories of his father Barry Humphries

The Library of Barry Humphries | Wednesday 26th March 2025
The auction features a remarkable array of books, manuscripts, works on paper and objects from the extensive library of the legendary comedian, actor, author, and satirist Barry Humphries (1934-2023). Ahead of the auction, Barry’s son, Rupert Humphries, shares fond memories of his father’s antiquarian passion.

Tim Knox Foreword

The John and Eileen Harris Collection of Architectural Drawings and Works of Art | 26 November 2024
John Harris and his wife Eileen were renowned architectural historians; John was celebrated for his expertise in country houses, wit, and self-taught knowledge, while Eileen was a respected scholar specialising in architectural books and figures including Thomas Wright and Robert Adam. Here, British art historian, Director of the Royal Collection and friend of the Harris family, Tim Knox shares fond memories of John and Eileen.

Neoclassical British Architect Robert Adam

The John and Eileen Harris Collection of Architectural Drawings and Works of Art | 26 November 2024
John Harris was a highly esteemed architectural historian, curator, and champion of country houses, known for his vast knowledge, wit, and vibrant personality. Born with a natural curiosity and a keen eye, Harris was largely self-taught, however, he channelled his passion and talent into a lifelong dedication to architectural history, becoming an authority on the subject.

Agatha Christie Auction Highlights

The Detective Fiction Collection of John Cooper | Thursday 7th November 2024
John Cooper read his first detective novel at age 12 in 1956, and he has been devoted to the genre ever since. Before his retirement, he taught science for 43 years and for 12 years ran Marjon Books which was a successful book business specialising in crime fiction.