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Contemporary Art
Why Artists Return: Duncan Shanks and Cora Linn
22 July 2026
Why did Duncan Shanks keep returning to Cora Linn? Discover how the Falls of Clyde inspired one of Scotland's most celebrated landscape painters.
Jewellery
Round Brilliant Cut vs Cushion Cut: What's the Difference?
21 July 2026
Learn how the Four Cs of diamonds, carat, cut, colour and clarity, influence a diamond's appearance, rarity and value in this expert buying guide.
Jewellery
Why Do Some Diamond Rings Sparkle More Than Others?
21 July 2026
What makes a diamond sparkle? Discover how cut, clarity, colour and carat weight affect a diamond's brilliance, fire and overall appearance.
Jewellery
Solitaire vs Cluster Rings: What's the Difference?
21 July 2026
Compare solitaire and cluster ring settings with expert advice from Lyon & Turnbull. Learn about their history, design, durability and choosing the right ring.
Watches
The Radium Girls & the History of Luminous Watch Dials
20 July 2026
Discover the story of the Radium Girls, why radium was used on watch dials, how tritium replaced it, and what collectors should know today.
Prints & Multiples
The Art of Printmaking
17 July 2026
Learn about the main printmaking techniques, including woodcut, engraving, etching, lithography and screenprinting, and discover how artists create original prints.
Prints & Multiples
The History of Printmaking
14 July 2026
Discover the history of printmaking, from Dürer and Rembrandt to Chagall, Warhol and Bridget Riley. Explore the techniques, artists and prints that transformed art history.
Silver
A Collector's Guide to Scottish Provincial Silver
14 July 2026
Discover Scottish provincial silver, from rare makers and town marks to collecting advice, hallmarks and the history of silver crafted beyond Scotland's Assay Offices.
IN MEMORY
Theo Burrell (1986-2026)
13 July 2026
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of a long-standing member of the Lyon & Turnbull family.
Jewellery
How Cartier Made Aquamarines Desirable
10 July 2026
Discover how Cartier transformed aquamarines into one of the world's most desirable gemstones and why Art Deco aquamarine jewellery remains highly collectable at auction today.
Contemporary Art
What We Saw at Central Saint Martins' Degree Show
10 July 2026
Our Modern Made specialists visit the Central Saint Martins postgraduate degree show, exploring emerging themes, materials and ideas shaping contemporary art.
Jewellery
Emeralds: A Complete Guide
6 July 2026
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.
Studio & Contemporary Ceramics
How to Read Studio Ceramics: Understanding Form, Glaze and Texture
2 July 2026
Learn how to read studio ceramics by looking at form, glaze and texture. Discover what collectors and specialists look for when assessing pottery and ceramics.
Jewellery
The Diamond Bracelet That Stole the Show at Wimbledon
1 July 2026
Discover how a dropped diamond bracelet during a famous tennis match gave the tennis bracelet its name, and explore the history of this classic jewellery design.
Fine Art
Zenobia Captive: How Jewellery Transformed a Warrior Queen
30 June 2026
Explore Sir Edward John Poynter's Zenobia Captive, uncovering the history of Queen Zenobia and the rich symbolism of the Victorian jewellery that shapes her portrayal.
Antiquities
Mesopotamian Cylinder & Stamp Seals: A Guide
30 June 2026
Learn about Mesopotamian cylinder and stamp seals, how they were used in the ancient Near East.
Private Collections
Enjoy a Virtual Tour | The Line of Beauty: A Collector’s Pursuit
29 June 2026
Enjoy a virtual tour through our Edinburgh saleroom of our July 2026 'The Line of Beauty: A Collector’s Pursuit' auctions.
Fine Art
The Influence of Shakespeare on the Pre-Raphaelites
29 June 2026
Discover how Shakespeare shaped Pre-Raphaelite art, inspiring iconic paintings by Millais, Rossetti and Hughes through themes of love, tragedy and nature.
Jewellery
Renaissance Jewels in Portraiture: Adornment, Status and Identity
29 June 2026
Discover the symbolism of Renaissance jewellery in portraiture and explore how jewels conveyed wealth, power, status and identity in Renaissance art.
Prints & Multiples
The Moment I Fell in Love with Prints
29 June 2026
Our Head of Prints & Multiples, Kirstie Davidson, reflects on the works, artists and discoveries that have helped shaped her career, and on what continues to draw her to the world of prints.
Prints & Multiples
Building Your Collection: 10 Things to Know About Prints
24 June 2026
Discover 10 essential tips for collecting prints, from understanding editions and techniques to assessing condition, value, and long-term collecting potential.
British & European Furniture
Hogarth's Line of Beauty: Why We Love the Serpentine Curve
24 June 2026
Explore Hogarth's Line of Beauty and how the serpentine curve transformed 18th-century furniture design, from commodes to decorative arts.
Sculpture
What is French Empire Style?
24 June 2026
Discover what defines French Empire style, from its classical influences and rich materials to the furniture, sculpture and decorative arts that shaped the Napoleonic era.
DESIGN
A Guide to Art Nouveau and Art Deco Lighting
23 June 2026
Explore the development of decorative lighting from Tiffany and Gallé to Lalique and Daum, and the impact of electricity on Art Nouveau and Art Deco design.
Fine Art
The Rediscovery of Waterhouse's Miranda
19 June 2026
Discover the story of John William Waterhouse's Miranda (1875), a lost masterpiece rediscovered after 130 years and a precursor to his most celebrated works.
Watches
More Than a Watch: Why Provenance Matters in Watch Collecting
18 June 2026
How provenance, personal history and ownership can transform a watch from a luxury object into a truly collectible timepiece.
Private Collections
How Great Art Collections Are Built
16 June 2026
Explore how collections are formed, from personal taste to inherited legacy and why cohesive collections often achieve stronger results at auction.
Watches
How Luxury Watch Auctions Work When Selling a High-End Collection
15 June 2026
Learn how luxury watch collections are prepared for auction, and discover what specialists look for when valuing high-end timepieces.
Fine Art
How to Choose the Right Artwork for Your Home
11 June 2026
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
A Guide to Gandharan Sculpture
9 June 2026
Discover the distinctive style of Gandharan sculpture, where Buddhist iconography meets classical Greek influence. Explore the artistic traditions, craftsmanship and cultural exchange that shaped this remarkable ancient art form.
Islamic & Indian Art
A Collector's Guide to Indian Painting
9 June 2026
Explore the rich diversity of Indian painting, from Mughal portraiture and Rajasthani Ragamala paintings to eighteenth-century works from Tanjore, revealing centuries of artistic innovation, patronage and cultural exchange.
Watches
Why Do Watches Have Box and Papers?
8 June 2026
Learn why watch box and papers matter, how they affect value, and what to do if your Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega or luxury watch has no papers.
Watches
Rolex Nicknames Explained: The Story Behind the Pepsi, Hulk, Batman & Kermit
7 June 2026
Discover the stories behind the world's most famous Rolex nicknames, including the Pepsi, Hulk, Batman, Kermit and Root Beer models.
JEWELLERY
The Magic of Star Rubies and Star Sapphires
3 June 2026
Discover how natural inclusions create the mesmerising star effect in rubies and sapphires, revealing the beauty and rarity of asterism.
DESIGN
An Introduction to Art Nouveau & Art Deco
3 June 2026
Art Nouveau and Art Deco are two of the most influential design movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Books & Manuscripts
Cambridge, Bloomsbury & Bletchley Park | The Literary Life of F. L. Lucas
2 June 2026
A remarkable collection of rare manuscripts assembled by wartime intelligence officer Frank Laurence Lucas (1894–1967) will feature in our Books & Manuscripts auction on 16 June 2026.
Fine Art
Virtual Tour | Scottish Paintings & Sculpture
1 June 2026
Enjoy a virtual tour through our Edinburgh saleroom of our Scottish Paintings & Sculpture auction.
Contemporary Art
Preserving John Byrne's King's Theatre Ceiling
1 June 2026
Learn about John Byrne's ceiling mural at Edinburgh's King's Theatre, its restoration, and the enduring legacy of one of Scotland's most beloved artists.
Jewellery
The History of Signet Rings: From Ancient Rome to Today
1 June 2026
Discover the history of signet rings, from Ancient Rome and medieval heraldry to modern jewellery, and learn why collectors continue to seek them today.
Asian Art
Fine Asian Art Auction Review | Spring 2026 Edition
29 May 2026
Review the Spring 2026 edition of Fine Asian Works of Art.
Scottish Art
The RSA and Lyon & Turnbull: 200 Years of Scottish Art
27 May 2026
In 2026, both Lyon & Turnbull and the Royal Scottish Academy celebrate their bicentenary, marking 200 years at the centre of Scotland’s artistic and cultural life.
CONTEMPORARY CRAFT
Collecting Contemporary Craft: Building a Modern Craft Collection
27 May 2026
Discover how to collect contemporary craft, from studio silver and ceramics to jewellery and glass. Learn what collectors look for with expert insights from Lyon & Turnbull.
Islamic & Indian Art
Ottoman Camel Bells from the Hajj Pilgrimage Caravan
22 May 2026
Discover the history of Ottoman camel bells used in Hajj pilgrimage caravans, featuring Islamic metalwork, ceremonial traditions, and Surre Regiment heritage.
Watches
Collecting Antique Chronometer Pocket Watches
20 May 2026
Explore the craftsmanship and collectability of antique chronometer pocket watches, from Victorian precision engineering to rare movements and original provenance.
Islamic & Indian Art
Francis Clifton Fyers' Horse and Groom
20 May 2026
A 19th-century Company School painting of Francis Clifton Fyers’ horse and groom, enriched by an original inscription, will be offered in our June 2026 Islamic & Indian auction.
Scottish Art
A Century of Selling the Scottish Colourists
20 May 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
Why the Omega Speedmaster Became the Moonwatch
19 May 2026
Discover vintage Omega Speedmaster watches at auction, from rare calibre 321 Moonwatch models to sought-after racing dial references and iconic NASA-era chronographs.
Watches
How Watches Are Valued at Auction
19 May 2026
Discover how watches are valued at auction, from brand and rarity to condition, provenance and market demand. Request a confidential watch valuation.
Watches
Collecting 1970s Audemars Piguet
18 May 2026
Discover two rare 1970s Audemars Piguet watches at auction, including a fresh-to-market B-series Royal Oak and an elegant 18ct gold dress watch.
Fine Art
F.C.B. Cadell and the Art of the Modern Interior
18 May 2026
Explore F.C.B. Cadell’s Interior: The Lady in Black, a celebrated Scottish Colourist painting capturing the elegance, light and modern interiors of the 1920s.
Fine Art
Cadell and the White Sands of Iona
11 May 2026
The White Sands, Iona is an idyllic view of the Hebridean island which inspired the Scottish Colourist F. C. B. Cadell for over twenty years and is the subject of many of his most cherished works.
Fine Art
Freedom & Form: Fergusson and the Parisian Avant-Garde
11 May 2026
An exploration of J. D. Fergusson, the Scottish Colourists and the creative freedom of pre-war Paris, tracing the development of a bold modern style shaped by Rhythm, Fauvism and the European avant-garde.
Fine Art
Lavery’s Berwick Law
11 May 2026
Explore Sir John Lavery’s Berwick Law, a masterful East Lothian landscape painted during the artist’s Scottish retreats of the 1920s, capturing the dramatic volcanic landmark with rich colour, atmosphere and remarkable sensitivity to place.
Fine Art
John Lavery at Glenfield House, Paisley
11 May 2026
Discover John Lavery’s atmospheric A Summer Afternoon, painted during the artist’s residency with the Fulton family in Paisley, capturing a fleeting Impressionistic moment beside the ponds of Glenfield House in 1886.
Fine Art
The Mystery Paintings of Arthur Melville
11 May 2026
Discover the mystery and atmosphere of Arthur Melville’s enigmatic Spanish scenes, painted during his travels through Spain and later rediscovered in the artist’s studio after his death in 1904.
Fine Art
Jean Among Trees by F.C.B. Cadell
11 May 2026
Discover F. C. B. Cadell’s Jean Among Trees, a luminous portrait of the artist’s beloved sister, actress Jean Cadell, painted in 1912 with expressive brushwork and the elegant colour sensibility that defined the Scottish Colourists.
Fine Art
Samuel Bough's 'Macbeath' Panels
11 May 2026
Discover Samuel Bough’s remarkable Macbeath Four Seasons Panels, an extraordinary four-part ensemble unseen in public for over 163 years, showcasing the Scottish master’s atmospheric landscapes and pioneering, near-abstract brushwork.
Fine Art
Peploe in Raeburn’s Studio
11 May 2026
A graceful and atmospheric portrait from S. J. Peploe’s celebrated Peggie Macrae series, The White Dress exemplifies the artist’s move toward a lighter palette, sweeping line and refined colour harmony during his pivotal York Place years.
Fine Art
Peploe and the Hebridean Light
11 May 2026
Discover S. J. Peploe’s views of Iona, inspired by the island’s dazzling white sands, Hebridean light and sweeping coastal panoramas that transformed the Scottish Colourist’s approach to landscape painting.
Private Collections
Act Two: Property from Eccentric Trading Company
8 May 2026
Lyon & Turnbull is delighted to present a selection of pieces from the Eccentric Trading Company, the renowned London theatrical prop house, in our Five Centuries sale this May.
Sculpture & Works of Art
Portraits by the Rochard Brothers
8 May 2026
This May, Lyon & Turnbull present for sale a unique collection of portrait miniatures by the French born Rochard brothers Simon and François, that offers a compelling insight into society miniature portraiture in the first half of the 19th century.
Antiquities
An Iconic Survival of The Ancient World : Exceptional Ancient Greek Corinthian Helmet
8 May 2026
An exceptional bronze helmet in the Corinthian style was sold in Form Through Time for £239,600 in May 2026.
Five Centuries
Enjoy a Virtual Tour | Five Centuries
6 May 2026
Enjoy a virtual tour through our Edinburgh saleroom of our May 2026 Five Centuries auctions.
Sculpture & Works of Art
A Rare Sculpture of Inigo Jones
5 May 2026
A striking carved stone figure of the architect Inigo Jones (1573–1652), offered in our upcoming Five Centuries sale, takes its inspiration from a model attributed to John Michael Rysbrack (1694–1770), originally created for Chiswick House, London.
Fine Art
John Lavery’s Tangier Sketches
5 May 2026
Discover John Lavery’s captivating Moroccan studies inspired by his travels in Tangier, where the artist captured the colour, music and atmosphere of Moorish life in preparation for his celebrated A Moorish Dance.
Antiquities
The Wilton House Aphrodite: A Rare Imperial Roman Bust
4 May 2026
Rare Roman marble bust of Aphrodite dating to the 1st century AD, formerly in the celebrated Wilton House Collection, sold for £353,000 at auction in May 2026.
Scottish Art
A Scottish Colourist in Fife: George Leslie Hunter & Largo
4 May 2026
Our Scottish Paintings & Sculpture auctions feature an excellent range of works by the Scottish Colourist George Leslie Hunter, including a fine selection from his time in Fife in eastern Scotland.
Five Centuries
The Art of Collecting Scent Bottles
1 May 2026
Reflecting over two decades of travel, discovery and thoughtful collecting, we are delighted to offer a private collection of scent bottles in our 13 & 14 May Five Centuries auction.
Mall Galleries
Enjoy a Virtual Tour of the Mall Galleries
29 April 2026
Enjoy a virtual walk around our May 2026 auctions on display at the Mall Galleries in London.
Asian Art
Tea in Harmony, Wine in Ease: Understanding Chinese Drinking Vessels
28 April 2026
Chinese tea and wine vessels from the Song to Qing dynasties, showcasing refined aesthetics, technical mastery, and richly symbolic decoration across centuries of ceramic innovation.
Antiques
What to Buy, Sell and Watch in Antiques Now
28 April 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.
Lalique
Lalique & Jewellery
28 April 2026
René Lalique is regarded as the leading Art Nouveau jeweller and was recognised as such during his lifetime. In designing jewellery René Lalique was creating works of art. He was the inventor of modern jewellery.
Jewellery
Scottish Freshwater Pearls: A Guide
28 April 2026
Discover the history, rarity and value of Scottish freshwater pearls. Learn why these natural gems remain among Scotland's most sought-after jewellery treasures.
L&T 200
The Stories Behind Antique Jewellery
28 April 2026
Discover the stories behind antique jewellery and explore how craftsmanship, provenance and generations of ownership shape every piece.
Asian Art
Religious Art of Buddhism and Daoism
27 April 2026
Ritual objects in Chinese religious art, from bronze censers to Tibetan-style ewers, reflecting devotional practice, imperial craftsmanship, and cross-cultural exchange.
Asian Art
A Study of Chinese Love and ‘Subtle Pleasure’ Paintings
26 April 2026
Explore chungongtu or ‘subtle pleasures’ paintings in Chinese art, revealing themes of intimacy, education, and symbolism alongside refined artistic traditions.
Modern Design
How Mid-Century Textile Design Shaped the Modern Aesthetic
24 April 2026
Explore how mid-century textile design evolved into wearable art, from Ascher scarves to Wendy Ramshaw’s sculptural knitwear.
Contemporary Art
Emily Young Work Offered in Aid of Allkind
22 April 2026
In our Spring 2026 MODERN MADE auction, we were pleased to present a work by Emily Young, sold for £30,440.
Studio Ceramics
What Are Studio Ceramics? History, Makers & Collecting Guide
22 April 2026
Explore the history of studio ceramics, from Bernard Leach to Lucie Rie, and discover why handmade pottery continues to attract collectors today.
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.
Islamic & Indian Art
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
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.
Vintage Posters
Iconic Irish Travel Posters from the Golden Age of Railways
8 April 2026
Exploring the enduring appeal of Irish railway posters, this collection highlights the artistry, cultural significance and powerful sense of place that define the Golden Age of travel.
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.
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.
Jewellery
Jewellery by JAR
6 April 2026
Joel Arthur Rosenthal, better known as JAR, is one of the most celebrated yet elusive contemporary jewellers.
Lalique
A Passion for Glass: A Private Collection of Lalique
6 April 2026
We were delighted to present A Passion for Glass: Lalique from a Private Collection, a distinguished group of works opening our Lalique auction on 30 April 2026.
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.
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 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
A Life in Art: Works from the Collection of Roger Lloyd Pack
2 April 2026
We were 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.
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 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 were 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.
Antiquities
Why Roman Portrait Busts Fascinate Collectors
29 March 2026
Explore the history and appeal of Roman portrait busts, from ancient sculpture and Greek originals to aristocratic collecting, provenance, and the Grand Tour.
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.