Fine Art Auctions at Lyon & Turnbull

From Old Master paintings to Modern British and Contemporary Art, our Fine Art specialists work with private collectors, estates and institutions to research, value and sell paintings, sculpture, works on paper and prints at auction.

We hold Fine Art auctions in 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 are considering selling a single painting, managing an inherited collection, or seeking advice on a work of art - a well-known work by an artist such as Lowry or Lavery, or a painting you’re unsure about - our specialists are happy to offer clear, straightforward advice.

ILLUSTRATED: SIR CEDRIC LOCKWOOD MORRIS (BRITISH 1889-1982) | THE BLUE POPPY, 1932 | Sold for £201,600

Fine Art Valuations

Wondering what your painting, sculpture or work of art could be worth at auction? Our Fine Art specialists provide complimentary auction valuations for individual works and collections.

Explore Our Fine Art Departments

You don't need to be ready to buy or sell to speak to us. Many clients start with a conversation, an auction valuation, or simply advice about a particular artist, work or period.

- Nick Curnow, Head of Fine Art

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

Why Sell Fine Art at Auction?

Auction brings your artwork to a competitive market of private collectors, institutions and trade buyers in the UK and internationally. Lyon & Turnbull's specialists research and catalogue each work before recommending the most appropriate auction and marketing strategy.

Benefits include:

Competitive bidding
International exposure
Specialist research and cataloguing
Targeted marketing to established collectors
Transparent auction results
Advice from valuation through to sale

Our specialists guide consignors through every stage, from valuation and research to marketing and sale.

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

Fine Art generally refers to paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints and other works created primarily for artistic expression. At Lyon & Turnbull, our Fine Art auctions span Old Masters, Scottish Art, Modern British Art, Contemporary Art and Prints & Multiples.

Start by submitting photographs of the front and back of the work, along with its dimensions, signature, provenance and any labels or paperwork. A Fine Art specialist can then advise on its potential value 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.

Lyon & Turnbull offers its own online bidding platform, L&T Live, allowing users to browse catalogues and bid in real time from anywhere in the world. The platform provides direct access to curated auctions, specialist expertise, and a global audience of collectors.

The value of art at auction is influenced by several key factors, including the artist, provenance, condition, size, subject matter, and current market demand. Auction results for comparable works can also provide a useful benchmark. For an accurate valuation, it is best to consult specialists who can assess the work in detail and advise on its potential auction estimate based on current market conditions.

Before attending an art auction, it is important to research the catalogue, understand the estimate ranges, and set a clear budget. Buyers should also familiarise themselves with bidding methods, fees such as buyer’s premium and the terms of sale. Registering in advance and viewing lots in person or online can help ensure you are confident when bidding.

Upcoming art auctions in the UK are held regularly throughout the year, with leading auction houses such as Lyon & Turnbull hosting a range of specialist sales. To find the latest upcoming auctions, including dates, catalogues, and registration details, it is best to check on our auctions calendar section of the website.

Yes. A signature can be useful, but it is only one part of identifying a work. Specialists also consider style, materials, labels, provenance, subject and construction when researching an artwork.

Yes. Lyon & Turnbull works with individuals, families, executors and professional advisers on inherited artworks and collections, from single paintings to substantial estates.