Cheffins

In a statement he said: “We can confirm that a private treaty sale, brokered by Cheffins, has been agreed between the vendor of the oak screen and the Old Hardyeans.

Martin Millard, a director at Cheffins, said: "There are armies of Rod Stewart fans across the world, and this tape is an opportunity for someone to own the seminal recording which would go on to propel his career skywards.

Martin Millard, director at Cheffins said: “We are delighted to have assisted in ensuring that this important letter by Jane Austen is now in its rightful home at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton.

The rediscovered painting “is the true definition of an auction house ‘sleeper,'” said Cheffins associate Patricia Cross in a statement, referencing a term for works that have long been undervalued due to misattributions.

Brett Tryner, associate at auction house Cheffins in Cambridge, said: “This important collection is representative of the post-war artistic period and we are honoured to be able to offer these works for sale on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council.