Summer 2026 Must-See Exhibitions

Posted on May 6, 2026May 7, 2026 by Liz Bailey, Stephanie Connell, Jonathan Horwich, David Dallas, Ashley Innes and Jenny Serra

With the appearance of summer there are an array of fantastic exhibitions and displays of artwork, sculpture, ceramics, and jewellery across the UK. Fortunately, our team of nationwide specialists are here to pick out their selections for this year’s calendar:

Jonathan Horwich – Modern & Contemporary Art Specialist

Cecily Brown: Picture Making
Serpentine Gallery
Running until 6th September

“I recommend this exhibition. Cecily Brown is a truly great painter and her work is little known beyond those of us already involved in the art world. Amazingly for such a major artist this is her first London show and is a must see …. It’s already open and runs over the summer into early September.”

LIz Bailey – Jewellery & Watches Specialist

Grima at the Tomasso Gallery
Tomasso Gallery, London
From 11th – 20th June

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s instalment of the Grima exhibition at the Tomasso Gallery. In what will be its fourth year, this week-long showcase of Andrew Grima’s work, including jewellery and watches from his iconic ‘About Time’ collection for Omega, and contemporary Grima Jewellery pieces is one of the best opportunities to see such a breadth of his work together. For our review of the 2025 edition of this special annual exhibition, take a look at our article here.

London Watch Week
Various locations, London
3rd-6th June 2026

“For those with a passion for horology, London Watch Week has you covered. Last year included events hosted by Bonhams, Pragnell, Oris, plus dedicated days to celebrate independents, and vintage wristwatches – organised by Lucy Cheesewright, Justin Hast and Tom Exton – this carefully curated event will cover numerous facets of the watch world.”

London Watch Fair
The Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow
14th June 2026

“If the Watch Week wasn’t enough, the London Watch Fair takes place just over a week later on 14th June and provides visitors with the chance to see (and buy!) vintage watches from some of the best dealers in the business. With seventy traders lined up for this specialist fair, this is a fantastic opportunity to see rare models, discover new collecting niches and make connections with dealers.”

Ashley Innes – Asian Art Specialist

The Bayeux Tapestry

The British Museum, London
September 2026-July 2027

“To say the upcoming Bayeux exhibition at the British Museum will be a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition would be an understatement – the Bayeux Tapestry hasn’t gone on tour since the Napoleonic era! This will be the first time it has visited the UK since its creation nearly a thousand years ago, so reserve your tickets promptly when they go on sale in July for the September opening.”

Stephanie Connell – Senior Valuer & Collectors Specialist

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
Clerkenwell, London
Opening 5 June 2026

“While not an exhibition I am really excited to visit the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration which officially opens in London this June. Illustration art is one of my greatest passions, so I am fascinated to see the programme of exhibitions in this unique dedicated space.”

May Morris: Crafting a Legacy

Lady Lever Art Gallery, Liverpool
25th April – 1st November

“This exhibition is a celebration of the wide-ranging creative output of Arts and Crafts designer and maker, May Morris, the younger daughter of William Morris. A vibrant display of embroideries, wallpapers, watercolour designs, costume and jewellery will showcase her many talents.”

David Dallas – Old Master Specialist

Gwen John: Strange Beauties

National Museum Cardiff
Until 28th June

‘It was a joy and a revelation to go to the Gwen John Exhibition at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales in Cardiff, last week. The drawings are almost entirely from their own collection, which numbers more than 900 works, purchased from the artist’s nephew’s estate in 1976. The oils are borrowed from all over the globe. There are only 158 known. One observation I made after looking closely at so many tiny drawings, was that Gwen spent most of her time painting these portraits and still lifes in a small studio. There is little sense of space or depth in these drawings so, despite feeling “more at home in the country than in the town”, her landscapes are strangely ambiguous. She can’t cope with or describe the great outdoors. It isn’t intimate enough.”

Elizabeth 1, Queen & Court
Philip Mould & Company
14th May – 10th July

“This exhibition will include the earliest surviving life-size, full length portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, together with rarely seen works of some of the key figures from her close circle of courtiers and confidantes. This ‘cast’ of Elizabethan portraiture, rarely exhibited, will show a rare glimpse of how portraiture was used as a tool of power in the 16th century.”

Richard Fattorini – Rare Books & Manuscripts, Historical Photographs and Maps Consultant Specialist

Firsts London 2026 – London’s Rare Book Fair

Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, London
14th – 17th May

“Firsts London is one of the world’s most popular and high-profile rare book events. Whether you’re a collector looking for the next masterpiece to add to your library, or a bibliophile who loves browsing second-hand classics, Firsts London is the event for you. Discover titles by distinguished authors, ephemera from celebrity readers and manuscripts from history’s great moments, all in the heart of Chelsea.
Are you new to the world of rare books, or just want an expert guide to the fair? Firsts’ selection of talks and tours are a great way to learn more about book collecting and make the most of your visit. From deep-dives into revolutions in printing, to perspectives on careers in the book trade, these free events are a chance to meet experts and learn some of the secrets of the trade.”

Photo London 2026
London Olympia
14 to 17 May 2026

“Photo London is the UK’s leading international fair for photography and image-based art. Each year it brings together the world’s most acclaimed photographers, galleries and curators alongside a new generation of emerging talent.”

The Other Photography Fair

London Olympia
16 May 2026

“The Other Photography Fair showcases photography in its many forms, with a special focus on vintage works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Supported by Vintage Photo Fairs Europe and sponsored by the Chiswick Auctions Fine Photographs Department, the fair gathers leading international dealers, collectors, and specialists under one roof.
Alongside historic photographs, visitors will find photobooks, rare cameras, and live wet plate collodion and cyanotype workshops, bringing early photographic processes to life.”

Jenny Serra - Marketing Manager

Fired Legacies: The Ceramic World of Rich Miller
Watts Gallery, Godalming, Surrey
Opening 5 June 2026

“As a novice potter and fan of the Channel 4 show, The Great Pottery Throwdown, I am looking forward to seeing Rich Miller’s first exhibition at Watts Gallery. The exhibition delves into his own heritage and an exploration of British colonial history, and unearths the narratives of trade, labour and identity that have shaped contemporary British society.”

Under the Christmas Tree

Posted on December 18, 2025December 24, 2025 by Jenny Serra

What are our team hoping for this Christmas?

Rachel Doerr – Managing Director

“I was asked recently what you buy a girl who has everything! After some thought, I remembered meeting with the jewellery designer, Lotte Leigh Fine Jewellery who creates and designs jewellery completely unique and deeply personal, so when thinking of myself, I decided this would be the perfect gift. I was left jewellery by my late mother, and I would love to rework those pieces into something new that I would wear every day. It would be a wonderful way to keep her close, carry those memories and give them a new life in a way that feels truly my own. So, I cannot wait to sit down with Lottie to start my journey.”

David Dallas – Chief Executive

“I’ve spent all my adult life and some of my childhood loving John Constable. I have been lucky enough to own a few oil paintings by him, temporarily, but I’ve always had to sell them. This Christmas, what I really want, is a drawing by him that I can keep. He is quite prolific, carrying a large and a small sketchbook with him wherever he went even on honeymoon! So, they come up at auction quite often. He has what they used to call “a good pencil” in other words he can draw beautifully. Any rural scene by the great man would do. “I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may – light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful”, is what Constable once said and when he is the man recording that object in pencil on paper, it is true. The little drawing that came up at Woolley and Wallis in 2023 would do. £16,500 isn’t that much, dear mother-in-law!”

Aurélia Turrall – Jewellery Specialist

“Money does seem to always get in the way of getting the most exquisite jewellery. Seeing as this is not the case for this year’s Christmas presents, I would choose to have the grand nœud de corsage de l’Impératrice Eugénie, stolen at the Louvre on 19th October. How I hear you asking? Or firstly I’d place pay for the greatest, fearsome, most Talented detective: Inspector Jacques Clouseau to find the stolen jewel and catch the criminals (one is currently still on the loose). It is such a shame to think that this 19th Century jewel, which would have required hundreds of hours of work to complete, might have been broken into pieces, as I write this. In 1864, Eugénie decided to stop wearing the imposing jewel, made of gold and silver and measuring 22.2cm long, 10.5cm wide. It was then sold in 1887 (during a nine-day auction when the French government sold most of the Crown jewels, keeping only a few considered National Treasures) to Caroline Astor, and subsequently to the Duke of Westminster for his daughter Lady Lettice Grosvenor, bought by jeweller Ralph Esmerian in 1980, acquired by the Louvre in 2008… And finally stolen last month.

So, Inspector Clouseau, if there’s ever a good time to come out of Hollywood retirement, now would be it! The French government needs you, and so do I for my Christmas present wish to come true!”

Annabell Parry, Jewellery Specialist

“2025 has seen colour and craftsmanship become more sought after in a jewellery world of offerings increasingly with no soul. It was with utter delight I discovered Castro Smith and his beautiful, hand engraved jewels and signet rings. His award winning designs have been featured around the world but works quietly in the UK with skills often considered old-fashioned but to me they are beautiful and evoke the essence of true handcrafted devotional gifts. Please, please may I find the Rabbit and the Moon signet ring under the tree this year, only available to order from £2500.”

Ashley Innes, Asian Art Specialist

“If I could receive any gift this holiday season, I would choose an incredibly rare large ruby-ground sgraffiato yangcai “lotus” bottle vase that I enjoyed viewing at person at Sotheby’s New Bond Street earlier this autumn as part of Asian Art in London. This Qianlong-period porcelain vase knocked preauction estimates out of the ballpark in November, selling for 304,800 GBP, when it was only estimated to sell for 100,000 GBP – 200,000 GBP! I love the elegance of the yuhuchunping shape, a traditional Chinese form with a long, slender neck and a bulbous bottom. The vase employs the yangcai technique, a form of wucai technology reserved for foreign colors of the period. The sgraffiato, a carving through the top layer so that the next layer is visible, showcases the exquisite level of craftsmanship from the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. As my favorite color is pink, I would be delighted to find this in my stocking – but perhaps not hanging over the fireplace, given the vase’s delicate nature!”

Fiona Hamilton – Silver Specialist

“If I could wish for a dream gift this Christmas it would be a little patch of land on the North West coast of Scotland. Having spent family holidays there from the 1980s to the current day, it holds a special place in my heart. From Arisaig to Achiltibuie, the deserted beaches, turquoise water, and star-studded skies are truly magical. Personal experience shows that the best defence against the dreaded midgies is a beach fire and the famous four seasons in one hour should be embraced! A place to unwind away from daily life, often with no phone signal, it’s the perfect haven.”

Jonathan Horwich, Contemporary & Modern Art Specialist

“I would like to have this wonderful, tiny (11.3 x 23.5 cms) cloud study by one of the greatest English landscape artist of all time, John Constable (1776-1837). I came across Constable Cloud Studies in my first job in a West End Gallery many years ago now, we had three in stock and each one was a gem, I promised myself that one day I would own one. This one sold at auction for £453,600 on July 1st this year, so it may be a bit of a stretch for me just now , so it would be a very welcome surprise to find this one under the tree on Christmas morning!”

Katinka Monkman, Executive Assistant

“After spotting the Boodles Tennis Bracelet, I couldn’t help but think it would be the perfect Christmas gift. As someone who plays for a local Division 2 tennis team in Sussex, it feels like such a fitting piece — elegant, classic, and with just the right amount of sparkle to capture the spirit of the game. Since starting my new role at Doerr Dallas Valuations in April, I have developed an even greater appreciation for beautifully crafted jewellery, and this bracelet really stands out to me. It is timeless yet meaningful, and I can just imagine how special it would feel to wear it, both on and off the court.”

Kristin Panagiotou, Administration Manager

“Underneath my Christmas tree this year I would love to find the photographic print, Dairy Queen at Night from front, US 6, Iowa City, IA 1988, by American photographer Jim Dow. This image holds a special place in my heart. When I look at it, childhood memories of summer nights and walks to this specific ice cream parlour down the street with my family flood back into my mind. What I love about photography is how one simple image can evoke so many feelings and emotions, and this one fills me with so much happiness. While it doesn’t necessarily look the same, this ice cream shop is still there! Dependent upon the size, a limited edition print can be purchased from $3,000-$9,000. ”

Liz Bailey, Jewellery, Watch & Silver Specialist

“It is so hard to narrow down what I’d like under the tree this year – I’ve seen so many fabulous pieces in collections that have been added to my wishlist! One watch definitely remains, and having seen their 150th anniversary display at Dubai Watch Week I would simply love an Audemars Piguet Frosted Mini Royal Oak. The frosted effect is created through a hammering technique using the culet of a diamond, and these watches have been worn by icons such as Raye and Serena Williams. To add some sparkle to my jewellery collection, I’d certainly be on the lookout for a piece from the new Tiffany Bird on a Rock collection, reimagining the original 1965 design by Jean Schlumberger. I was fortunate enough to try on the Lovebirds ring, and it was indeed love at first sight. The watch costs a cool £56,600 and the ring a mere £32,200!”

Richard Fattorini, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Historical Photographs and Maps Consultant Specialist

“I have always admired the beauty and skill that goes into creating an illuminated manuscript, and this autumn I was thrilled to visit Chantilly to view an exhibition of one of the most famous and beautiful illuminated medieval manuscripts in the world, the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. This spectacular manuscript on parchment was created in the early 1400s for John, Duc de Berry, the brother of King Charles V of France, by Limbourg brothers Paul, Johann and Herman and used rare and expensive pigments, including lapis lazuli, and pure gold. A single illuminated page from this book would be worth millions, but other medieval illuminated manuscripts by lesser artists can be purchased for a few hundred pounds. This Christmas I would be overjoyed to receive an illuminated leaf which would let me connect with a world that valued slow craft, symbolism, and the power of storytelling. The calligraphy, colours, details and gold illumination invite contemplation, reminding one to slow down and appreciate artistry in its purest form. It would be a gift that blends beauty, scholarship, and wonder, something timeless in an increasingly digital world.”

Alastair Meiklejon, Senior Valuer

“Is a red octagonal box too obvious? Possibly. But then again, Who honestly cares, And this watch….this glorious, green-dialed, 18ct yellow-gold beauty, is not here for subtle nods and polite applause. It’s here to enter the room before you do. Cartier, frankly, have been on a quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet) tear over the last few years, and this might just be one of the greats of the line. Let us remember: the Ballon Bleu was a hit the moment it landed. I know, because I sprinted out and bought one. The big one. The too big one. But here’s the thing, by the time I’d realised it was too big, I was already emotionally invested. Like a slightly impractical dog, or a Pelaton – You don’t return it; you adapt your life around it. And now? Cartier have gone and done this. A green dial in yellow gold that pops harder than champagne corks on the riviera. The price of £15,200 mean its only two bottles of house red off what could be deemed a ’sensible purchase’ and nothing says Christmas like gold and green…..honestly – look it up!”

Francesca Orme, Jewellery Specialist

“I have wanted one of these for a long time. These genius ‘Love Letters’ bracelets are one of Pragnell’s very clever inventions. It gives you the opportunity to create your own bracelet online if you can’t get to the showroom, by choosing the letters or words you would like, with the option of symbols such as a heart, in-between or next to…You can pave set with diamonds whichever links you would like too!.
I would put my twin boys names with a heart between that is pave set with diamonds.. These are so wearable that I don’t think I’d ever take it off!”

Jenny Knott, Silver Specialist

“On December 1st I tune my radio to Classic FM and immerse myself in Christmas music. I enjoy more recent Christmas tunes too, and although I have had enough of rocking around the Christmas tree long before Christmas day, I’ve never enough of the snow. Indeed, ‘Let it snow, let it snow let it snow’. So, to indulge myself this Christmas, my money no object Christmas present under the tree would be tickets to Vienna to hear Christmas music at the Hofburg Palace and something appropriate to wear for a snowy Christmas concert, perhaps this diamond and blue topaz snowflake sautoir by KiKi McDonough. It’s a snip at £9500, so let’s hope that it’ll be nestling somewhere amongst the pine needles.”

Helen Doyle, Jewellery, Handbag & Watch Specialist

“This Christmas I would love a Chanel 2.55 handbag under the tree. More than just an accessory, the Chanel 2.55 is a wearable piece of fashion history, with virtually every design detail carrying a personal connection to the life of its creator, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. Unveiled in February 1955, the bag’s name is simply its birth certificate: 2 for the month and 55 for the year.
The bag’s revolutionary design was centred around the long shoulder chain, which was a fashion breakthrough that finally freed women’s hands.
Perhaps the most fascinating element is a secret that lies beneath the surface: a discreet zippered compartment hidden inside the front flap. Legend holds that Coco Chanel used this small, private pocket in her original bag to store her love letters, a quiet nod to her personal romantic history.”

Stephanie Connell, Senior Valuer & Collector Specialist

“Under the Christmas tree, if money were no object, I would like to discover something I would have dreamt of owning as a child, a Dinosaur! Sotheby’s recently sold a mounted Ceratosaurus skeleton – Ceratosaurus were a species carnivorous dinosaur, with a name referencing the slight horn between is nostrils. The example sold by Sotheby’s, was around 150 million years old. The skeleton was that of a juvenile. Money would really have to be no object – it fetched just over $30.5 million.”

Jenny Serra, Marketing Manager

“I was on the hunt recently for a new handbag, and not being of neutral tastes, I spotted this fabulous limited edition pink and red Epsom bag from Hermes. The classic shape but bold colour way would make it such a fun bag to use – and a definite conversation starter! Costing around £25,000 I’m pretty sure it’s beyond my husbands budget, but a girl can dream!”

Doerr Dallas Summer Party 2025

Posted on July 1, 2025July 8, 2025 by Jenny Serra

What a brilliant day we had for this year’s summer party. Glorious weather, great food, and the best company — the perfect combination for a proper summer celebration. We gathered in a beautiful yurt from Roaming Retreats (thank you Matt Gamble), complete with comfy furniture hired from Valley Furniture Hire and catering kit from Gloucester Event Hire to help everything run smoothly.

Chef Jon cooked up an incredible spread, while The Drunken Mare kept everyone refreshed with drinks from their lovely mobile bar. For entertainment, Nigel Thomas from The One Man Band Collective brought the atmosphere — his energy and music made the whole event.

There was plenty to keep everyone busy, from axe and archery challenges run by Axes and Archery to lawn games like giant Jenga, Connect 4 and croquet, all supplied by All About Fun UK. Whether you were throwing axes or just throwing beanbags in a friendly round of Cornhole, there was something for everyone.

Getting to and from the party was taken care of by Home James Taxis of Cirencester and Charlie Birchmore from Birchmore Photography captured the day perfectly — we’ll be sharing some of his fantastic photos below.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a success. It was a great chance for the team to relax, catch up and enjoy some well-earned downtime!