Lyon & Turnbull is a leading UK auction house for design and decorative arts, offering expertly curated sales spanning the 20th century through to contemporary studio work.
Our auctions bring together collectors, interior designers, and enthusiasts, with works ranging from mid-century furniture and lighting to studio ceramics, glass, and decorative objects.
Whether you wish to buy, sell, or value design objects, our department provides a trusted, transparent, and engaging experience, combining scholarship, style and a passion for the decorative arts.
- John Mackie, Head of Design
Whether you are acquiring a single piece or selling a collection, our specialists provide expert advice and access to an international audience.
We offer:
Our design auctions cover a broad range of categories, including:
Director, Head of Design john.mackie@lyonandturnbull.com 0131 557 8844
Director, Head of Modern & Post-War Art & Design philip.smith@lyonandturnbull.com 0207 930 9115
Associate Director, Senior Design Specialist joy.mccall@lyonandturnbull.com 0207 930 9115
Associate Design Specialist ursula.goldsmith@lyonandturnbull.com 0131 557 8844
Associate Design Specialist francesca.christodoulou@lyonandturnbull.com 0207 930 9115
Associate Specialist, Islamic & Indian Art neil.graham@lyonandturnbull.com 0207 930 9115
Our department spans the evolution of design across the 20th and 21st centuries, including:
This breadth allows us to present design not just as individual objects, but as part of a wider history of interiors, materials and making.
Submit details of your design enquiry and a member of our specialist team will be in touch quickly to advise on likely estimates and auction potential. Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at info@lyonandturnbull.com
Proud Partners of London Design Festival
We regularly host design focused auctions from our Edinburgh and London salerooms, everyone available to watch or bid in online. From our decorative art sales in Edinburgh to our esteemed MODERN MADE auctions in London, our lots feature work by some of the biggest names in design history.
You can find regular furniture auctions in Edinburgh at Lyon & Turnbull, Scotland’s oldest auction house. Our Design and Antiques departments host sales featuring period furniture, decorative arts, and modern design, from Georgian craftsmanship to Mid-Century classics. All upcoming Edinburgh furniture auctions and viewing dates are listed on our Auction Calendar.
Our Design auctions showcase influential creators from the Arts & Crafts movement to Contemporary Design. You’ll find works by leading British, Scandinavian, and international designers, from Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Ernest Gimson to Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, and Ettore Sottsass.
Lyon & Turnbull holds regular design auctions in London, featuring standout pieces of furniture, decorative arts, and modern craftsmanship. Our London saleroom showcases works by leading British and international designers throughout the year. Visit our Auction Calendar to view the dates for the year ahead.
Bidding at a Lyon & Turnbull Design auction is simple and accessible. You can register to bid online, by phone, or in person at our London, Edinburgh or Glasgow locations. Browse the catalogue in advance to discover available works, then place bids live during the sale or leave an absentee bid beforehand. Our specialist team is always available to guide new and experienced collectors through the process, ensuring a smooth and confident bidding experience.
