Antiquities Auction - March 2012

Timeline Auctions Antiquities Catalogue

After spending a very busy and enjoyable week at Timeline's specialist coins and antiquities auctions in Bloomsbury, it has become clear how important the catalogue photos are to the sale.

Not only do the images appear in print and on-line, they are also projected large on the wall behind the auctioneer during the sale. These three different media really do influence how each looks. A 'high key' shot stands out much better in projection. For example the Ottoman silk tunic (below) looks really good on a white background in projection but fairly flat on-screen.

We spent a lot of time photographing the various precious metal objects to record the detail and get accurate colour reproduction , without having overexposed highlights. Dropping in a black background really shows off the colour of each item, especially on screen and I'm sure that this has a least a small influence on the prices of many of the gold items reaching their upper estimates!

Finally, I'm delighted to have my image of this rather fine Roman oil lamp featured on the cover of the Antiquities catalogue, especially as it sold! See http://www.timelineauctions.com/lot/carthaginian-oil-lamp/6815/

Ottoman Tunic