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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Historical documents capture a moment in time, but that moment’s place in history may only become clear with the passage of centuries.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.
Modern British Art
A Life in Art: Works from the Collection of Roger Lloyd Pack
17 February 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contemporary Art
Y2K! The Noughties Art Explosion
1 February 2026
Ahead of our London exhibition, Y2K: Selected Works from an Important Private Collection of Contemporary Art, Simon Hucker reflects on the extraordinary energy of the Noughties art world.
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.
Design
By Hammer and Hand: Silver from a Private Collection
13 January 2026
We are delighted to present a fine private collection of silver in our Design Since 1860 auction on 15 April, celebrating the silver makers' art.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DESIGN Since 1860
Enjoy a Virtual Tour | DESIGN Since 1860
10 October 2025
Go on a virtual tour of our 16 & 17 April 2025 DESIGN Since 1860 taking place live in Edinburgh & online.
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.
Jewellery
The World of Emeralds
1 October 2025
Discover the beauty, rarity, and history of emeralds. Learn about their origins, treatments, symbolism, care, and why ethically sourced emeralds remain one of the world’s most captivating gemstones.
Books & Manuscripts
Books that Defined Childhood
30 September 2025
From the first picture book clutched in small hands to the stories that sparked a lifelong love of reading, children’s literature occupies a unique and treasured place in our cultural memory.
Private Collections
Lady Airlie: A Life of Grace, Service, and Style
29 September 2025
Virginia Fortune Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie (1933 - 2024) was a distinguished figure in the British royal household, best remembered as the first American-born Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II.
Fine Art
Enjoy a Virtual Tour | A Glasgow Legacy : Selected Paintings from the John Shaw Collection
29 September 2025
Enjoy a virtual tour through our Edinburgh saleroom of A Glasgow Legacy: Selected Paintings from the John Shaw Collection auction.
PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
James Stirling: Mathematician of the Newtonian Age
29 September 2025
Explore more about James Stirling (1692-1770), one of the leading mathematicians in Europe in the early 18th century.
PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
F.L. Griggs: A Cotswold Legacy
26 September 2025
A rare opportunity to explore the life and legacy of F.L. Griggs, one of the most significant figures of the Cotswold Arts and Crafts Movement.
Silver
Scottish Communion Silver and the Reformation
23 September 2025
Following the Scottish Reformation in the late 16th Century, the design and function of communion plate in Scotland changed significantly.
Contemporary Craft
Wendy Ramshaw: Jewellery as Sculpture
22 September 2025
Few artists have blurred the line between jewellery and sculpture as elegantly as Wendy Ramshaw.
Design
From Icons to Innovators: The 2025 London Design Medal Winners
20 September 2025
Each year, the London Design Festival Medals celebrate those shaping the creative landscape, not just through objects or buildings, but by influencing how we live, connect, and imagine the future.
Fine Art
How the Right Artwork Transforms a Space
18 September 2025
Art has the unique ability to change the character of a room. A single canvas, drawing or sculpture can shift the mood of an interior, add depth to its design, and reflect the personality of its owner.
Islamic & Indian Art
The Art of Indian Miniature Painting
16 September 2025
Indian miniature painting, delicate in form yet vast in cultural resonance, traces its origins to the illuminated manuscripts of the 9th and 10th centuries.
Silver
Silver Through the Ages
10 September 2025
Few materials have travelled so widely or carried so many meanings as silver. Prized for its lustre, durability, and malleability, silver has been shaped across millennia into coinage, jewellery, ritual vessels, and objects of daily life.
PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
From Allan Ramsay to Stephen Conroy: 250 Years of Scottish Art
9 September 2025
Presenting ‘A Glasgow Legacy : Selected Paintings from the John Shaw Collection' - a wonderful collection of works representing over 250 years of Scottish Art from Allan Ramsay to Stephen Conroy.
Fine Art
A Girl in White: Lavery’s Whistlerian Turn
9 September 2025
Professor Kenneth McConkey discusses Portrait of a Girl in White by Sir John Lavery sold in 01 October auction A Glasgow Legacy : Selected Paintings from the John Shaw Collection.
Private Collections
The Eccentric Trading Company : Unlock the Secrets
2 September 2025
Lyon & Turnbull presents 'The Secret Life of Props: The Eccentric Trading Collection', a two-day single-owner auction this September offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to acquire pieces that have shaped British film and television for a generation.
Silver
The Craft of Everyday Silver
1 September 2025
Some of the most compelling silver ever made was not created for ceremonial occasions but for daily use.
Silver
Starting a Collection: Contemporary Silver
1 September 2025
Contemporary silver is one of the most exciting and approachable areas of the decorative arts today. It’s a space where traditional craft meets bold, inventive design.
Silver
Celebrating Dr Helen Cargill Thompson
1 September 2025
Dr Helen E C Cargill Thompson (1933-2020) has been recognised for her contribution to both librarianship and the art world.
Fine Art
Curating Your Own Art Edit
1 September 2025
Starting an art collection can feel overwhelming. Galleries, auctions, and endless styles might seem like a world reserved for experts but building your own “art edit” doesn’t need to be intimidating.
Jewellery
From Strass to Style: The History of Paste Jewellery
31 August 2025
Explore the fascinating history of paste jewellery, from Strass’s 18th-century brilliance to today’s wearable art and timeless style.
Antiques
Enjoy a Virtual Tour | Five Centuries | September 2025
30 August 2025
Enjoy a virtual tour through our Edinburgh saleroom of our September 2025 Five Centuries auction.
Silver
Top Contemporary Silversmiths
28 August 2025
In an age of mass production, the appeal of finely crafted silver remains stronger than ever. Today’s contemporary British silversmiths are not only preserving centuries-old techniques but also pushing the boundaries of form, function and expression.