Fine Art Auctions | Online, Edinburgh, London

Fine Art at Lyon & Turnbull

From Old Master paintings to Modern British and Contemporary works, our Fine Art department works closely with private collectors, estates and institutions to research, value and present works for sale. We run successful sales in both London and Edinburgh, with particular strength in Modern British art and market-leading Scottish paintings and sculpture auctions. We help clients understand what they have, where it sits in the market and how best to sell it, whether now or in the future.

Whether you own a well-known work by an artist such as Lowry or Lavery, or simply have a painting you’re unsure about, our specialists are happy to offer clear, straightforward advice.

ILLUSTRATED: L.S. LOWRY BRITISH (1887-1976) | GOING TO THE MILL | SOLD FOR £805,200 inc fees IN 2025

Request a Free Valuation

Contact our specialist auction team for a complimentary valuation of your fine art

What Kind of Art are you Interested In?

Department

Contemporary Art

Department

European Art & Old Masters

You don’t need to be ready to buy or sell to speak to us. Many clients start with a conversation, a valuation for insurance, advice or simply to understand the market for a particular artist or period.

- Nick Curnow, Head of Fine Art

Join our Latest Art Auctions

CONSIGNMENTS OPEN

Contemporary Art

31 March 2026 | Edinburgh & Online

CONSIGNMENTS OPEN

MODERN MADE

30 April & 01 May | London & Online

CONSIGNMENTS OPEN

Scottish Paintings & Sculpture

04 June | Edinburgh & Online

CONSIGNMENTS NOW OPEN

Five Centuries

13 & 14 May | Edinburgh & Online

In 2025 Lyon & Turnbull achieved record sales, with over £30 million of material sold across 58 auctions and more than 12,000 lots finding buyers, a performance driven by specialist expertise, long-term client relationships and strong collector confidence.

- Philip Smith, Head of Modern & Post-War Art & Design

Meet our Fine Art Specialists

Specialist

Nick Curnow

Vice Chairman, Head of Fine Art

nick.curnow@lyonandturnbull.com

0131 557 8844

Specialist

Alice Strang

Associate Director, Senior Fine Art Specialist

alice.strang@lyonandturnbull.com

0131 557 8844

Specialist

Philip Smith

Director, Head of Modern & Post-War Art & Design

philip.smith@lyonandturnbull.com

0207 930 9115

Specialist

Carly Shearer

Head of Contemporary Art | Edinburgh

carly.shearer@lyonandturnbull.com

0131 557 8844

Specialist

Simon Hucker

Associate Director, Senior Fine Art Specialist

simon.hucker@lyonandturnbull.com

0207 930 9115

Specialist

Romey Clark

Associate Specialist, Fine Art

romey.clark@lyonandturnbull.com

0131 557 8844

Our Team

Charlotte Cockburn

Sale Coordinator, Fine Art

charlotte.cockburn@lyonandturnbull.com

0131 557 8844

Our Team

Amelia Hacking

Sale Coordinator, Fine Art

amelia.hacking@lyonandturnbull.com

0207 930 9115

Start With a Valuation...

Submit details of your fine art 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

FAQs: How to Buy & Sell Art at Auction

In the UK, art auctions are open, competitive sales where bidders vie for artworks offered. Each lot is introduced by the auctioneer, and bidding continues until the highest offer is accepted - that buyer becomes the new owner once the hammer price is confirmed. Before the sale, potential buyers can attend viewing events or browse the online catalogue to assess the artworks. Bidding can take place in person, online, by phone, or via absentee bid. At Lyon & Turnbull, our fine art auctions follow these trusted UK standards while offering expert guidance, transparent valuations, and international reach.

Bidding at a Lyon & Turnbull art auction is simple and accessible to everyone. You can register to bid online, by telephone, or in person at our salerooms. Once registered, browse the catalogue to explore available artworks and place bids in real time during the auction. Our specialists are on hand to guide you through the process, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced collector. To get started, visit our How to Bid page or contact the team for personal assistance ahead of the next fine art auction.

An art auction viewing event is your opportunity to experience the artworks up close before the sale. At Lyon & Turnbull, our specialists are available during viewings to discuss each piece’s condition, provenance, and market value, offering insight and guidance for collectors and first-time buyers alike. It’s a relaxed, welcoming way to learn more about the works and prepare for the upcoming fine art auction.

Successful bidding begins with research and preparation. Review the auction catalogue in advance, note the estimate ranges, and set a clear maximum bid before the sale begins. Attending a preview or viewing is invaluable, it lets you assess condition and quality first-hand. At Lyon & Turnbull, our specialists can advise on value and provenance to help you bid with confidence.

Taking part in an online art auction in the UK is straightforward. Simply register to bid through the auction house’s website, review the online catalogue, and place bids in real time during the sale. We also allow you to leave absentee or maximum bids in advance. With Lyon & Turnbull, you can join live auctions from anywhere via our secure online bidding platform, view high-resolution images, and follow the auctioneer as the sale unfolds. Our specialists are available to advise on bidding, valuations, and upcoming fine art auctions, making online participation simple, transparent, and rewarding.

Lyon & Turnbull has extensive expertise in Scottish, British, and European fine art, offering works that span Old Masters to contemporary paintings. Our auctions often feature Scottish Impressionists, modern British painters, and distinctive 20th-century artists such as Anne Redpath, John Bellany, and Peter Howson, alongside carefully selected international names.

Selling a painting at auction begins with a specialist valuation. At Lyon & Turnbull, our experts assess your artwork’s authenticity, condition, and market value to determine the most suitable sale. Once consigned, your painting is professionally catalogued, photographed, and promoted to collectors worldwide. On auction day, bids are received in person, online, and by phone. After the sale, successful results are confirmed and payment is processed swiftly. Our team provides clear guidance at every stage, from valuation to hammer price, ensuring a smooth, transparent experience for every seller.

Lyon & Turnbull hosts a programme of fine art auctions in London throughout the year, featuring paintings, drawings, and works on paper from leading artists. Our fine art sales offer collectors and sellers a trusted platform for expertly curated auctions that attract national and international interest. You can view our upcoming London art auctions and catalogues on our Auction Calendar.

Lyon & Turnbull holds regular fine art auctions in Edinburgh, showcasing important paintings, drawings, and works on paper by leading Scottish, British, and international artists. As Scotland’s premier auction house, our Edinburgh saleroom hosts a dynamic calendar of sales throughout the year. To find out when the next Edinburgh art auction is taking place, visit our Auction Calendar.

London is home to several renowned art auction houses, including Lyon & Turnbull, Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Bonhams, and Phillips. Each hosts regular sales featuring fine art, antiques, and contemporary works. Our London locations offer collectors access to curated fine art auctions, expert valuations, and a personalised client experience, making us one of the leading independent auction houses in the UK.

Fine Art at Lyon & Turnbull

Request a Free Valuation

What Kind of Art are you Interested In?

Join our Latest Art Auctions

Contemporary Art

MODERN MADE

Scottish Paintings & Sculpture

Five Centuries

Meet our Fine Art Specialists

Start With a Valuation...

FAQs: How to Buy & Sell Art at Auction

How do art auctions work in the UK?

What is the process for bidding at art auctions?

What should you expect at an art auction viewing event?

Are there tips for bidding in art auctions?

How do I participate in an online art auction?

What types of art does Lyon & Turnbull specialise in?

What is the process for selling paintings at auction?

When are the next art auctions in London?

When is the next art auction in Edinburgh?

Which art auction houses are prominent in London?