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In a world ruled by screens, something surprising is happening: rare books are booming. As e-readers and digital platforms dominate, collectors are turning toward tangible, timeless works of literature and history. This revival isn’t just nostalgia, it is a recognition of the enduring power of physical books as both cultural artefacts and investment assets. The…

For centuries, whisky has been celebrated as a drink to savour, a glass shared with friends, a marker of special occasions. But in recent years, it has become something more: an investment class in its own right. Rare bottles and vintage casks now sell for six-figure sums, and investors are increasingly treating whisky as seriously…

When Sotheby’s sold Jane Birkin’s own Hermès Birkin bag in 2025, it wasn’t just another high-profile auction. It was history. The original Birkin bag achieved a record-breaking £1.8 million. For collectors, it was the ultimate symbol of fashion crossing the line from accessory to blue-chip asset. A bag born from chance The Birkin’s origin story…

When life takes an unexpected turn, the true test of your insurance is not in the policy – it is in the claims service that stands behind it. At James Hallam Private Clients, claims handling is not outsourced or left as an afterthought. Our in-house team is built into the very heart of what we…

When we think of risks to our home we may think of fire, flood, or theft. Yet one of the most overlooked threats comes from something much smaller but no less damaging: pests. From mice chewing through wiring in heritage properties to wood-boring insects weakening period timber beams, infestations can cause significant financial, health, and…

When most people think about wealth, they picture property portfolios, fine art collections, or perhaps a cellar of rare wines. Increasingly, however, another category is stepping into the spotlight: wardrobes. Clothing, shoes, and handbags are no longer just expressions of taste, they are significant financial assets. Yet, despite their rising values, many clients remain underinsured,…