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Why Are Islamic Tiles So Valuable? History, Craftsmanship & Collecting Guide

Why Are Islamic Tiles So Sought After? History, Craftsmanship & Collecting Guide

17 April 2026

Explore the history of Islamic tiles, from Iznik to Qajar, and discover why collectors value their craftsmanship, colour and cultural significance.

Jewellery

The Story of Cartier’s Trinity Collection

17 April 2026

Few jewels have achieved the quiet universality of Cartier’s Trinity collection. Instantly recognisable yet deceptively simple, its origins lie in a moment of artistic collaboration in early twentieth-century Paris.

Jewellery

Where to Buy a Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring

17 April 2026

For those in search of a vintage diamond engagement ring, the answer is often simpler than expected: at auction.

L&T 200

200 Years of Handling with Care

13 April 2026

Careful art handling at Lyon & Turnbull: a behind-the-scenes look at the skill, responsibility and trust involved in caring for objects over 200 years.

DESIGN Since 1860

Enjoy a Virtual Tour | DESIGN Since 1860

10 April 2026

Go on a virtual tour of our 15 & 16 April 2026 DESIGN Since 1860 taking place live in Edinburgh & online.

Jewellery

A Royal Gift: The Bracelet of Lady Rachel Russell

7 April 2026

Gifted by Queen Victoria in 1837 to the young Lady Rachel Evelyn Russell, this finely engraved turquoise-set bangle of circa 1835 is a rare jewel of exceptional royal provenance.

Modern Design

The Festival of Britain & Its Legacy 75 Years Later

7 April 2026

75 years on, the Festival of Britain continues to shape modern ceramics and design, explored in our latest MODERN MADE sale.

Lalique

A Passion for Glass: A Private Collection of Lalique

6 April 2026

We are delighted to present A Passion for Glass: Lalique from a Private Collection, a distinguished group of works opening our forthcoming Lalique auction on 30 April.

Jewellery

Jewellery by JAR

6 April 2026

Joel Arthur Rosenthal, better known as JAR, is one of the most celebrated yet elusive contemporary jewellers.

Modern British Art

Art, Faith & Craft at Ditchling

2 April 2026

Eric Gill and the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic architectural elements from the Ditchling Chapel are offered in our MODERN MADE auction

Fine Art

Understanding Art Attribution Terms

2 April 2026

Understand art attribution terms like “attributed to”, “circle of” and “after”. Learn how auction catalogues define authorship and what it means for value.

Watches

Patek Philippe Aquanaut: A Deep Dive

2 April 2026

Discover the story of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut, from its Nautilus roots to its distinctive textured dial, tropical strap, and quietly versatile design.

Modern British Art

A Life in Art: Works from the Collection of Roger Lloyd Pack

2 April 2026

We are delighted to offer works from the collection of Roger Lloyd Pack in the Spring 2026 edition of MODERN MADE and in the Summer 2026 edition of Scottish Paintings & Sculpture.

Modern Art

A Masterpiece of European Modernism: Jankel Adler's 'The Peasant and his Wife'

2 April 2026

The Peasant and his Wife by the Polish-Jewish artist Jankel Adler is a rare and major example of European Modernism painted in Britain.

Modern British Art

Cedric Morris 'Paysage du Jardin No. 2', 1933

2 April 2026

'Paysage du Jardin No.2' of 1931 by Cedric Morris epitomises the artist’s twin loves of painting and gardening as befits his reputation not only as a leading British artist of the twentieth century but also as a pioneering plantsman.

Modern Design

Light in Motion: Kinetic Art & Perceptual Experimentation

1 April 2026

Explore kinetic and light art of the post-war era, where movement, light and perception redefine the relationship between artwork and viewer.

Fine Art

Pioneering British Abstraction: A Private Collection of Works by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham

1 April 2026

2026 is an important year for Wilhelmina Barns-Graham’s standing as a pioneer of British abstraction and we are delighted to present a group of her works which span from the 1950s to the 2000s across a range of media.

Contemporary Art

Y2K! The Noughties Art Explosion

30 March 2026

Senior Specialist Simon Hucker reflects on the extraordinary energy of the Noughties art world, tracing how the momentum of the 1990s evolved into a decade of global expansion, new technologies and a rapidly changing market for contemporary art.

Antiques

What to Buy, Sell and Watch in Antiques Now

29 March 2026

The antiques market is shaped by changing tastes as much as rarity or age. As interiors evolve and collectors look for pieces with character and story, certain categories come in and out of favour.

Private Collections

Exploring Different Types of Collections

26 March 2026

Explore how collections are formed, from personal taste to inherited legacy and why cohesive collections often achieve stronger results at auction.

Fine Art

Alice Strang Appointed Trustee of the Hugo Burge Foundation

25 March 2026

Lyon & Turnbull is pleased to share that Alice Strang has been appointed as a Trustee to the Hugo Burge Foundation, alongside Dominic Goold, with both joining the Board to support the organisation’s continued development.

Design

By Hammer and Hand: Silver from a Private Collection

23 March 2026

We are delighted to present a fine private collection of silver in our Design Since 1860 auction on 15 & 16 April, celebrating the silver makers' art.

Prints & Multiples

How Younger Buyers Are Entering the Market

23 March 2026

The art market has long been perceived as the preserve of seasoned collectors or inherited wealth yet over the past decade, younger buyers have begun to reshape the landscape in meaningful ways.

DESIGN

Morris & Co. ‘Hammersmith’ Carpets: Expressions of Arts & Crafts Ideals

20 March 2026

Morris & Co's “Hammersmith” carpets are handmade works of art that stand as a powerful expression of the Arts & Crafts ideal: that beauty, craftsmanship, and integrity of design should permeate every surface of the home.

FINE ART

A Vision of Vesuvius | Jacob Philipp Hackert

17 March 2026

Upcoming in the May edition of Five Centuries, this dramatic painting by Jacob Philipp Hackert captures one of the most celebrated natural spectacles of the 18th century.

Contemporary Art

What Today’s Collectors Are Actually Buying

13 March 2026

Beyond record auction prices, James McNaught, Head of Business Development, shares insights into what collectors are truly buying in today’s art market.

Contemporary Art

Art With Attitude

11 March 2026

Art collections offer a unique glimpse into a collector’s world. Viewed together, a group of artworks can display much more than just simple taste, instead offering a particular sense of personality.

Contemporary Art

Y2K! Memories From the Noughties

11 March 2026

As we prepare for Y2K! Selected Works from an Important Private Collection of Contemporary Art, opening this March in London, we asked our team a simple question: What comes to mind when you think of the 2000s?

Scottish Art

A Century of Selling the Scottish Colourists

9 March 2026

2026 marks a century since Lyon & Turnbull began to sell the work of the Scottish Colourists, namely F. C. B. Cadell, J. D. Fergusson, G. L. Hunter and S. J. Peploe.

Watches

The History & Design of the Patek Philippe Nautilus

6 March 2026

In 1976 Patek Philippe released the Nautilus, a timepiece which went on to fundamentally transform the luxury watch industry.

Scottish Art

Collecting Joan Eardley: From the Highlands to Hampshire

26 February 2026

Lyon & Turnbull is delighted to support Collecting Joan Eardley: From the Highlands to Hampshire, an exhibition in Berwick-upon-Tweed on 24 June 2026

PROFESSIONAL VALUATION SERVICES

Valuations at Life’s Turning Points

23 February 2026

There are moments in life when clarity matters more than ever. The death of a family member. A divorce. Retirement. The decision to downsize. The restructuring of a business or trust. A wish to make a significant gift or philanthropic donation.

JEWELLERY

The Resurgence of Mourning Jewellery: From the Stuarts to Today

19 February 2026

Signs of the modern resurgence of mourning jewellery are hard to ignore, from the prevalence of contemporary memorial pieces amongst families to the increase in demand for antique pieces at auction.

JEWELLERY

Why We Still Collect Mourning Jewellery

19 February 2026

As we approach the 200th anniversary of Lyon & Turnbull on 18 October 2026, the Georgian society within which the auction house was first founded seems a world away from the 21st Century.

BOOKS & MANUSCRIPTS

The Head that Wears a Crown: Documents of Royal Misfortune

18 February 2026

Historical documents capture a moment in time, but that moment’s place in history may only become clear with the passage of centuries. With hindsight we see events differently from how they would have appeared to its participants.

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

The Collector Behind Brushes Across Empire: Sir James Stewart Lockhart

16 February 2026

Chinese paintings, ceramics, and works of art from the collection of Sir James Stewart Lockhart.

Silver

The Spoon: A Guide to Early and Antique Silver Spoons

16 February 2026

Spoons have long formed a key part of the silver collector’s market. Whether they are drawn to a particular maker, period, or finial type, antique silver spoons - particularly early spoons - offer an accessible and deeply rewarding area of study.

Asian Art

The Shanghai School of Chinese Paintings

16 February 2026

The Shanghai School, also known as the "Haipai" or "Hupai," emerged in the mid-19th century. During this period, Shanghai opened as a treaty port and evolved into the economic and cultural centre of modern China.

Five Centuries

Enjoy a Virtual Tour | Five Centuries | February 2026

14 February 2026

Enjoy a virtual tour through our Edinburgh saleroom of our February 2026 Five Centuries auction.

Contemporary Art

Ten Artists to Watch at The Other Art Fair in London

13 February 2026

Since its founding in 2011, The Other Art Fair has championed emerging artists, offering an accessible platform that sits outside the conventional gallery system.

Watches

Patek Philippe Calatrava: An Introduction

12 February 2026

One of the most iconic watches of all time, the Patek Philippe Calatrava has come to epitomise the simple, timeless elegance for which the brand is known.

Watches

Patek Philippe Complications Explained

11 February 2026

Today, most watches do far more than simply tell the time. From date displays and alarms to stopwatch functions, these additional features are known as complications.

Contemporary Art

New Major Public Art Award Goes to Internationally Renowned Sculptor Andy Goldsworthy

10 February 2026

The Hugo Burge Foundation have just announced a major new public art award. The Foundation’s Dent in the Universe award will be the largest single source of public art funding in Britain.

L&T 200

Discovering Art That Feels Personal

9 February 2026

As part of Lyon & Turnbull’s 200th anniversary, Romey Clark, our Associate Fine Art Specialist, reflects on what draws her to art and why discovering and collecting art remains as relevant now as it has been for centuries.

Asian Art

Join Us | Fine Asian Art Internship

9 February 2026

Are you passionate about art, antiques, and the fast-paced world of auctions? We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Fine Asian Works of Art Intern to support our team.

Illustrated: The actor and director Selina Cadell with The Blue Mountain by her great-uncle the Scottish Colourist F. C. B. Cadell

Scottish Art

Perth Art Gallery to Unveil Major Scottish Colourists Exhibition in 2026

9 February 2026

Perth Art Gallery has announced a major exhibition dedicated to one of the most influential groups in Scottish art, with The Scottish Colourists Revealed opening to the public on 03 April 2026.

Contemporary Craft

A History: British Craft from the Post-War Years to Now

6 February 2026

In the years following the Second World War, British craft underwent a profound transformation.

Islamic & Indian Art

Francis Clifton Fyers' Horse and Groom

5 February 2026

A 19th-century Company School painting of Francis Clifton Fyers’ horse and groom, enriched by an original inscription, will be offered in our upcoming Islamic & Indian auction.

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

The Library of a Victorian Adventurer: Sir James Edward Alexander (1803–1885)

5 February 2026

Important manuscripts and artefacts from the renowned Victorian soldier-scholar who brought Cleopatra's Needle to London.

Contemporary Art

The Contemporary Market: Insights from Our January Auction

4 February 2026

Reflecting on our first Fine Art auction of 2026, it is clear that Contemporary Art in Edinburgh continues to command both confidence and sustained interest. Here Head of Contemporary Art, Scotland, Carly Shearer shares her insights.

Studio & Contemporary Glass

British Studio Glass: Sam Herman, Peter Layton & a Living Tradition

3 February 2026

Explore the development of studio glass from its American origins to its establishment in Britain, shaped by figures including Harvey Littleton, Sam Herman and Peter Layton.

L&T 200

The Moment I Fell In Love With Modern British Art

3 February 2026

A personal reflection on discovering Modern British art through L.S. Lowry, tracing a career shaped by lived cultural memory, mentorship, and a lifelong fascination with Britain’s disappearing industrial world.

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

A Vintage Viewpoint: 30 Years of Curated Antiques

2 February 2026

A truly compelling collection of vintage and antique items individually chosen for those who value originality and character.

POSTERS

What Defines Art Deco Posters?

27 January 2026

The poster artists of the Art Deco era truly embodied the spirit of the time. Advertising was dynamic, fast and reflected the exuberance of the period.

Modern Design

Five Must-See Design Exhibitions in London

27 January 2026

Five design exhibitions to see in London, highlighting material innovation, craft, and contemporary design.

L&T 200

The Moment I Fell In Love With 60s and 70s Jewellery

26 January 2026

A personal reflection by jewellery specialist Veronica Olszowska, exploring bold post-war design, raw gemstones, sculptural gold and the creative freedom of the 1960s and 1970s.

Fine Art

Choosing Art With Your Space in Mind

23 January 2026

Discover how art can transform your home, with expert advice from Romey Clark on buying and living with art from The Art Edit auction.

Lalique

A Collector’s Guide to Lalique: Ten Defining Vases

22 January 2026

Discover ten defining vases by René Lalique, exploring key designs from the 1910s and 1920s that have become favourites among collectors for their form, motif and craftsmanship.

Modern Design

Danish Modern: Design for Living

21 January 2026

Explore the most important Danish Modern designers and understand how their furniture and design perform at auction today.

Silver

Scotland’s Silver Traditions for Burns Night

16 January 2026

Today, Burns suppers are held across Scotland and far beyond it, bringing people together to eat, drink and share his words.

L&T 200

The Moment I Fell in Love with Photography

15 January 2026

Mariam Sorour, part of our marketing team, reflects on her journey towards finding her voice through photography, from years of experimentation and uncertainty to discovering a creative rhythm that brings together photos, sculpture and installation.

Fine Art

Curating Your Space with Contemporary Art

13 January 2026

Join Head of Contemporary Art Carly Shearer as reflects on curating spaces with contemporary art, drawing on her experience working with artists, collectors and collections.

Services

The Importance of Professional Valuations for Private Collections

13 January 2026

At Lyon & Turnbull, we understand that your Collections often represent more than financial value. They reflect personal taste, family history and long-term stewardship, and as such require thoughtful, informed management.

L&T 200

The Best Advice I Ever Got as a Specialist

12 January 2026

Jewellery specialist Sarah Duncan reflects on working with fine jewellery at auction, and the care, attention and responsibility involved in handling deeply personal objects.

L&T 200

What Happens When You Bring an Item to an Auction House?

9 January 2026

For many people, walking into an auction house for the first time can feel daunting. You may be unsure what you have, whether it’s valuable, or even whether it’s worth bringing in at all. That’s where the first conversation matters.

L&T 200

Handling Objects with Previous Lives

7 January 2026

Our jewellery specialist Katherine Miller shares her experience of working with objects with previous lives, and why that connection matters.

Buy Lalique at Auction | Online and London

L&T 200

A Life with Lalique

6 January 2026

Our Head of Lalique, Joy McCall, reflects on nearly three decades of experience, from first encounters with iconic pieces to handling significant collections and considering their place within the broader history of design.

Jewellery

Van Cleef & Arpels: Alhambra in Turquoise

5 January 2026

Few jewellery designs are as instantly recognisable as Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra. Since its introduction in 1968, the motif has become synonymous with luck, elegance, and enduring style.

Posters

How to Authenticate a Vintage Travel Poster

5 January 2026

A specialist guide to authenticating vintage travel posters, covering dimensions, lithography, printer’s marks and railway commissions.

Posters

Why Vintage Posters Are Perfect for Children’s Bedrooms

28 December 2025

Discover why vintage animal travel posters make such charming, timeless choices for children’s bedrooms, combining playful imagery with bold graphic design.

REVIEW

Looking Back at 2025 : Top Lots & Collections

18 December 2025

We are proud to say that 2025 marked the most successful year in Lyon & Turnbull’s history, achieving our highest turnover to date, more than doubling the company’s performance since 2020.

Contemporary Art

Eduardo Paolozzi and Ray Watson: The Drive to Create

17 December 2025

Ray Hardinge Campbell Watson was a long-time friend and collaborator of the artist Eduardo Paolozzi. We are delighted to be offering a collection of works from Ray’s collection in our January 2026 Contemporary Art auction.

Contemporary Art

The Stephen Jenn Collection: Select Works by John Kirby

16 December 2025

‘The Stephen Jenn Collection: Part I’, featuring in Contemporary Art on 13 August, is the first of a two-part selection of works by the intriguing and critically regarded artist John Kirby.

Scottish Art

A Scottish Colourist in Fife: George Leslie Hunter & Largo

16 December 2025

Our Scottish Paintings & Sculpture auction features an excellent range of works by the Scottish Colourist George Leslie Hunter, including a fine selection from his time in Fife in eastern Scotland.

Jewellery

A Private Collection of Jewels by Peter Plöderl

1 December 2025

Fine Art

Virtual Tour | Scottish Paintings & Sculpture

30 November 2025

Enjoy a virtual tour through our Edinburgh saleroom of our Scottish Paintings & Sculpture auction.

Jewellery

The Caterpillar Club

28 November 2025

The Caterpillar Club was started in 1922 by Leslie Irvin. Members received a small pin in the shape of a caterpillar to mark their “entry” into the club.

Jewellery

Crowning Glory | Exceptionally Rare Scottish Pearl Pendant

28 November 2025

Discover an exceptional Scottish freshwater pearl pendant of notable size, rarity and provenance.

SCOTTISH ART

‘The Scottish Doyen of Modern Art’: Place de l’Observatoire by John Duncan Fergusson

27 November 2025

SCOTTISH ART

Homecoming | Peploe's Iceland Poppies Returns to Scotland from America

15 November 2025

SCOTTISH ART

Record Breaking Result | Agnes Miller Parker's 'The Horse Fair' Achieves £176,600

14 November 2025

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

The Coppens Collection of Aboriginal Art

7 November 2025

The François Coppens Collection of Aboriginal Art represents over twenty-five years of passionate collecting and deep engagement with Australia’s First Nations cultural heritage.

Five Centuries

Enjoy a Virtual Tour | Five Centuries

6 November 2025

Enjoy a virtual tour through our Edinburgh saleroom of our November 2025 Five Centuries auctions.

PRIVATE COLLECTIONS

Period Features at Maze Hill : The Collection of Ursula & Gordon Bowyer

3 November 2025

Mall Galleries

Enjoy a Virtual Tour of the Mall Galleries

29 October 2025

Enjoy a virtual walk around our October 2025 auctions on display at the Mall Galleries in London.

Modern British Art

The Festival of Britain: A Post-War Vision of Courage, Creativity & Renewal

24 October 2025

Explore the Festival of Britain’s post-war optimism and how architects Gordon and Ursula Bowyer helped shape its modernist vision through their iconic Sports Pavilion on London’s South Bank.

contemporary craft

Modern Threads: Post-War British Textile Art

23 October 2025

Explore how post-war British artists transformed textile art into a modern medium of innovation — from Lucienne Day to Tadek Beutlich — redefining the boundaries between craft, design and art.

Modern British Art

The Two Roberts: The Toast of 1940s London

22 October 2025

Discover the story of Scottish artists Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde, the ‘Two Roberts’, who defined 1940s London with their bold, modern vision and enduring creative partnership.

Silver & Objets de Vertu

The Value of Silver and Managing your Collection

21 October 2025

Join Silver Specialist Kier Alexander as she discusses the Silver market with insights on how professional valuation services can become a useful tool for documenting a collection from Head of Business Development James McNaught.

Passing on Wealth to the Next Generation

Valuations

Protecting Artistic Legacy Through Estate Planning

20 October 2025

Pete Murrin, Partner in the Tax and Succession team at Turcan Connell, share his insights into protecting artistic legacy through estate planning.

The McAllisters: A Life Devoted to Anthropology and the Arts of Asia

Asian Art

The McAllisters: Anthropology and the Arts of Asia

16 October 2025

Dr. J. Gilbert Gilbert & Cora McAllister’s collection was informed by a deep love for Asian cultures and antiquities. Their collection spanned vast time periods, materials, and included pieces from China, Japan, Korea, South East Asia and more.

Asian Art

How China Fell in Love with Robert Burns

16 October 2025

Advocating freedom and love, Robert Burns' reputation in China as ‘a great people’s poet’ reached its zenith in 1959 as a consequence of his perceived peasant birth aligned with the political ideological demand of the New Folksong Movement.

Modern British Art

The Blue Poppy by Cedric Morris

14 October 2025

Cedric Morris’s 1932 Blue Poppy unites art and horticulture, a rare still life from his Suffolk period, kept in the Bevan family collection since its acquisition.

Vintage Posters

James Bond Posters at Auction

13 October 2025

James Bond remains one of cinema’s most recognisable cultural exports and the market for vintage James Bond film posters continues to reflect that ongoing appeal.

Silver

A Celebration of Silver

10 October 2025

Amassing a collection of nearly 1000 silver items seems quite incomprehensible, but was a feat accomplished by the late Helen Cargill-Thomson.

Lalique

Collecting Purposeful Art

8 October 2025

In keeping with William Morris’s famous Arts & Crafts statement "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful", René Lalique designed works that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Private Collections

A Modernist Life : The Collection of Ursula & Gordon Bowyer

8 October 2025

Spanning six decades, the Bowyers’ collection charts the friendships, passions, and pioneering spirit of two architects whose lives were immersed in the creative currents of post-war Britain.

Asian Art

The History of Chinese Drinking Vessels

8 October 2025

Chinese vessels reflect a blend of art, ritual, and daily life, from ancient bronzes to porcelain made with timeless skill.

design

Finn Juhl: Form, Space and Comfort

6 October 2025

Discover the timeless design of Finn Juhl, the Danish master who transformed furniture into sculptural art, blending form, space and comfort to define the elegance of modern living.

Design

The Fate of Ophelia: From the Glasgow Style to Taylor Swift

3 October 2025

The Fate of Ophelia explores how Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh and Taylor Swift each turn reflection into art, and art into resilience.