AFFORDABLE ANTIQUES IN EUROPE? FIND THEM OFF THE RADAR SCREEN ON A PRE-SEASON ANTIQUES BUYING TRIP ALONG THE BACK ROADS OF EUROPE – SHPPING INCLUDED Philadelphia, PA – February 13, 2007 – Antique buffs, dealers and designers from across the U.S. will be scouring warehouses, shops, trade sources and markets along Europe’s least-known Antiques Circuit for ten days this spring as part of an insiders’ buying tour offered March 27-April 2, 2007 by Heart of Europe Tours, based in Philadelphia. The March buying trip offers an alternative to higher-priced antiques in Western Europe and focuses on fresh new sources with affordable antiques. Full Article

A painting of an Egyptian queen by Howard Carter, the man who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen, has sold at auction for £13,000. The watercolour was left to owner Barbara Rampton 15 years ago but she did not realise its significance until she took it to a charity valuation. The 1897 work had been hanging in a holiday cottage near Barmouth. Carter, who died in 1939, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. His painting of Queen Senseneb began with an estimate of £3,000 but was soon contested by five telephone bidders. Full Article

Thirty-three dolls given to the Queen as a child and throughout her reign are going on show this week. The historic collection will be displayed at Frogmore House, near Windsor Castle, in Berkshire. The exhibition includes a doll made in 1910 of biscuit porcelain and an Afro-American one given to the Queen in 1957 by Eleanor Roosevelt. Frogmore House is no longer an occupied royal residence but was once a favourite retreat of Queen Victoria. The 1910 doll, which is preserved in an acid-free box away from damaging light, has never been shown in the UK before.Full Article