About Us

Established in Edinburgh in 1826, Lyon & Turnbull are Scotland's oldest firm of auctioneers.

In more recent years the innovative marketing, flexibility and dedication to personal service delivered by our team of specialists has helped us to become the fastest growing auction house in the UK, with offices and representatives throughout the country.

Lyon & Turnbull are now becoming identified on an international stage, setting world record prices for British and continental paintings along with outstanding results in other areas, such as jewellery, silver, furniture, ceramics, books and decorative arts.

This has been aided by our marketing alliance with Freeman's, America's oldest auction house, since 2000. Both companies strive to employ the latest marketing techniques and share our expertise to extend our reach. This is demonstrated most notably through our cooperation in selling works of art in the most advantageous venue, leading to some exceptional prices.

Responding to the growth of business from Southern England, 2006 saw the opening of our London Gallery in Pall Mall, which holds regular exhibitions and events as well as advance previews of selected items from forthcoming sales.

Building on this presence, January 2008 saw our inaugural London sale, when The Deloitte Art Collection was auctioned in the Royal Academy of Arts to widespread interest.

Due to the increasing volume of business from the West of Scotland, 2008 also saw our Glasgow office move to a larger and more prominent gallery site on Bath Street, the city's traditional art and antiques centre.

People matter to us as much as their possessions at Lyon & Turnbull and we always strive to work closely with our clients to ensure a successful outcome for both parties. To quote one satisfied customer:

"You did everything you said you would in respect to marketing the collection and I think the enormous interest generated was testament to that. Creative, passionate and enthusiastic - exactly what you promised us!"
Jonathan Brown, Drambuie Liqueur Company, 2006