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Scot Free Sir Walter Scott’s manuscript of his novel Rob Roy is set to go on show to the public this month for the first time in at least a century.

The original draft of the historical classic, published in 1817, had been among many literary gems held in the Honresfield Library formed in the 19th century by Rochdale mill owner William Law. The manuscript was saved for public view after a collective of UK-wide organisations stepped in to buy it at auction at Sotheby’s. This month it goes on permanent show at the Treasures of the National Library of Scotland exhibition in Edinburgh.

Above For the first time in a century, members of the public will get to see the manuscript of Rob Roy

Fashion forward The role Jewish Londoners played in the UK’s fashion industry is put in the spotlight at a new exhibition opening this autumn.

A dress worn by David Bowie on the cover of The Man Who Sold the World, Sean Connery’s 007 shirts and a hat worn by Greta Garbo are among key items created by leading Jewish designers Mr Fish, Cecil Gee, Otto Lucas, Rahvis, Neymar and Madame Isobel.

From East End tailors to the couture salons of the West End, the exhibition, opening at the Museum of London Docklands in October, tells the story of the Jewish makers behind some of the most recognisable looks of the 20th century.

Above Bowie dress designed by Mr Fish, © Trinity Mirror, Mirrorpix, Alamy Stock Photo

Below Ipswich Station in the 1950s by Michael Suffl ing, photo credit Keith Suffl ing

GAUGING INTEREST Some of the best model railways from around the UK covering all major scales/gauges come together in Suffolk this month.

Stonham Barns Park, near Stowmarket, is hosting its first ever model railway show on March 19 with a range of model railway layouts on display from manufacturers including Hornby, Bachmann and Dapol. YouTuber Lawrie Rose of Lawrie’s Mechanical Marvels will be bringing a layout based on Scole Railway near Diss built by William Betts in the 1860s.

Makers Maak London Ceramics specialist Maak is to hold its first auction dedicated to contemporary craft on September 17. It will include 120 pieces from the single-owner collection of the late Victoria, Lady de Rothschild, made up of leading British, Japanese and European makers and collected over 30 years. The collection will go on show from March 17 at Ascott House, in Buckinghamshire, the historic residence of the de Rothschild family.

Above On display: Kenji Io (Japanese, b.1945), Breeze, 2010

30 seconds with... with Steven Sparrow the new managing director at Wilson 55 auction house in Nantwich Do you have a favourite artist? There are many artists I rate very highly but Donald McIntyre has been a longtime favourite. He is a master of colour in the great tradition of the Scottish colourists and his paintings always lift the spirits with his depictions of white Iona beaches and sunny Cornish harbours.

e artist?

What market changes have you seen? When I started 20 years ago Northern

Art wasn’t a recognised genre aside from Lowry. Fast forward to today and see the deserved recognition Northern Art now receives in the saleroom and with buyers nationwide. Numerous galleries supporting this genre have sprung up and we hold standalone Northern Art sales.

What would be your ideal fi nd? I have met many people over the years who knew or met Lowry in person, sadly, I never did. I would love to fi nd a Lowry oil painting that nobody had seen before, gifted perhaps, and kept hidden away.

Do you collect? If so, what? Coins satisfy my love of history while also appreciating the artistic side of numismatics.

Any non art/ antiques hobbies? Walking my two dogs – Molly and Poppy, especially on the Llyn Peninsula in Wales.

Wilson 55’s next Northern Art sale is on March 9.

Below Donald McIntyre (1923-2009), Sunlight, Coverack, sold for £13,000 at Wilson 55

8 ANTIQUE COLLECTING