Private & Corporate Art Collections

Selling with Lyon & Turnbull

Selling a private or corporate art collection is a significant decision. Collections are often built over decades, shaped by personal taste, professional expertise or institutional strategy. Whether prompted by succession planning, relocation, a change in focus or the opportunity to realise value, Lyon & Turnbull provides expert guidance, clear advice and a discreet, carefully managed service.

Established in 1826, Lyon & Turnbull is recognised internationally for achieving strong and, in many cases, record-breaking results for private and corporate collections. Our long-standing reputation is built on specialist knowledge, rigorous research and a proven ability to place works successfully within the global market.

Working in partnership with our Philadelphia-based sister auction house, Freeman’s, we offer genuine international reach. Together, we have handled and sold everything from the contents of grand historic houses to carefully curated private collections, spanning contemporary art, fine and decorative arts, jewellery, books and rare objects. There is little we have not handled and sold well.

Expertise Across Private & Corporate Collections

We regularly advise on:

Private collections built over a lifetime
Estate and probate sales
Corporate and institutional collections
Trusts, foundations, clubs and societies
Partial sales, refinements or complete dispersals

For corporate clients, we understand the governance, reporting and reputational considerations involved in selling works from a collection and we work sensitively within these frameworks.

ILLUSTRATED ABOVE : THE LINGHOLM COLLECTION | ACHIEVED TRIPLE ESTIMATE | 99% SOLD

Contact Our Team

To discuss the valuation or selling of your art collection, please call our Art Collections Specialists Team on 0131 557 8844 (Edinburgh) / 0207 930 9115 (London) or

ART COLLECTIONS

Private Collections

A Strategic, Personal Approach

Selling collections well is at the heart of what we do. Every collection is different and requires a tailored, flexible strategy. Our service begins with a confidential consultation to understand the collection, its context and your objectives.

Our specialists provide informed valuations and clear advice on the most appropriate route to market whether through auction, private treaty, or a dedicated single-owner sale. We manage the entire process from start to finish, acting as a single point of contact and guiding clients at every stage.

Presentation, Marketing & Global Reach

We believe strong results depend on how a collection is presented to the market. We provide professional photography, detailed cataloguing, and tailored marketing across print, digital, PR, and international auction platforms. Central to our approach is careful research and storytelling. Through detailed cataloguing, scholarly insight and thoughtful presentation, we ensure collections are positioned accurately within the market, preserving their legacy while maximising their potential.

Our combined UK and US reach allows us to place works before the right buyers, at the right time, across global markets ensuring visibility, engagement and competitive bidding.

Illustrated ABOVE : The Contents of Kirkton House | achieved over £1million | 94% sold

FEATURED COLLECTION

Makers & Creators: Selected Works from the Hugo Burge Collection

Past Private Collections

AUCTION RESULTS

The Bernard Kelly Collection

15 January 2025

AUCTION RESULTS

The Hancock Collection

25 January 2023

WHITE GLOVE 100% SOLD

The Minoprio Collection: British Design in the Arts & Crafts Tradition

11 January 2022

AUCTION RESULTS

The Contents of Lowood House

6 October 2021

AUCTION RESULTS

Scholar's Aesthetics: Dr Kenneth P. Lawley's Collection

3 November 2023

AUCTION RESULTS

The Peter Rose & Albert Gallichan Collection

30 November 2021

AUCTION RESULTS

Hints on Household Taste: Paul Reeves

28 June 2022

AUCTION RESULTS

The Taffner Collection

7 September 2012

DISCOVER MORE

The Chen Collection

23 November 2008

"The passion of the Lyon & Turnbull team made them a true pleasure to work with from start to finish."

- Lady Rochdale, Vendor of The Lingholm Collection

ART COLLECTIONS

Corporate Collections

Tailored Valuation, Management & Sale

Our Corporate Art Collections team advises corporations, private institutions, and charitable organisations on the strategic management and sale of art collections. We understand that corporate collections are closely tied to organisational identity, governance, and reputation, and our approach is designed to operate confidently within these frameworks.

We provide tailored advice from initial valuation through to final sale, supporting everything from single-object transactions to phased dispersals of larger collections. Our specialists offer clear, structured guidance throughout, ensuring accountability, transparency, and commercial focus at every stage.

Brand-Aware Marketing & Communications

Where appropriate, we develop marketing and communications strategies that align with corporate objectives and stakeholder considerations. Lyon & Turnbull has an established track record of securing national and international press coverage for corporate and institutional collections, ensuring visibility is carefully managed and reputationally sound.

International Experience

We have advised on the sale of works from major corporate collections, including modern and contemporary art from the Deloitte and Lehman Brothers collections, as well as supporting organisations through partial or full deaccessioning programmes. Our UK and international market expertise is strengthened by our partnership with Freeman’s, America’s oldest auction house, allowing us to place corporate collections effectively within the global market.

ILLUSTRATED ABOVE : THE DRAMBUIE COLLECTION | ACHIEVED OVER £3.7MILLION | 100% SOLD

"You did everything you said you would in respect to marketing the collection and I think the enormous interest generated was testament to that. Creative, passionate and enthusiastic - exactly what you promised us!"

- Jonathan Brown, Drambuie Liqueur Company

Past Corporate Art Collections

WHITE GLOVE 100% SOLD

The Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Collection

28 October 2021

WHITE GLOVE 100% SOLD

The Drambuie Collection

26 & 27 January 2006

AUCTION RESULTS

The Deloitte Collection

10 January 2008

AUCTION RESULTS

The Forbes Collection

1 November 2011

“I’m really delighted with how the sale went and want to thank everyone at Lyon & Turnbull for all their help. The sale will enable the Trust to continue its charitable programme and develop access to the collection for years to come.”

- Rob Airey, Director of The Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust

If you are considering the sale or future management of a collection, our specialists would be pleased to offer confidential advice and an initial valuation. Please contact us to discuss your objectives and the most appropriate way forward.

Our Art Collections Specialists

Specialist

Philip Smith

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

philip.smith@lyonandturnbull.com

0207 930 9115

Specialist

Gavin Strang

Managing Director, Specialist in Private Collections, Rugs & Carpets

gavin.strang@lyonandturnbull.com

0131 557 8844

Specialist

Paul Roberts

Vice Chairman

psr@lyonandturnbull.com

0131 557 8844

Specialist

John Mackie

Director, Head of Design

john.mackie@lyonandturnbull.com

0131 557 8844

FAQs: Selling a Private or Corporate Art Collection

No. Many clients choose to sell part of a collection, refine their holdings, or sell in stages. We can advise on the most appropriate approach based on the nature of the collection and market conditions.

Valuations are provided by our specialists and are informed by recent market results, condition, provenance and current demand. We explain how values are reached and how they may vary depending on the chosen sale method.

This depends on the collection, your objectives, and market conditions. Auctions can create competition and visibility, while private treaty offers discretion and flexibility. We will recommend the most suitable option and explain the benefits of each.

Timescales vary depending on the type of collection, the chosen sale format, and preparation required. We will provide a clear timeline at the outset and keep you informed throughout the process.

Preparation typically includes research, cataloguing, photography, condition reporting and marketing. We manage this process in full and advise on any steps that may enhance presentation or value.

Yes. Collections benefit from Lyon & Turnbull’s international reach, including online bidding, targeted marketing and access to global buyers. For corporate or sensitive sales, marketing can be carefully managed to align with reputational considerations.

We offer a discreet service and can advise on private treaty sales, anonymous representation, or controlled marketing where required. Confidentiality is discussed and agreed at the outset.

We will discuss options with you, which may include reoffering items, selling privately, or reviewing estimates. Our advice is always guided by market conditions and your preferences.

Yes. We regularly work with executors, trustees, family offices and corporate decision-makers, and are experienced in operating within governance, reporting and approval frameworks.

You will have a dedicated specialist as your main point of contact, supported by our wider team as needed.

You can contact us directly to arrange a confidential consultation or request a valuation. Our specialists will be pleased to advise.

Private & Corporate Art Collections

Selling with Lyon & Turnbull

Expertise Across Private & Corporate Collections

Contact Our Team

Private Collections

A Strategic, Personal Approach

Presentation, Marketing & Global Reach

Makers & Creators: Selected Works from the Hugo Burge Collection

Past Private Collections

The Bernard Kelly Collection

The Hancock Collection

The Minoprio Collection: British Design in the Arts & Crafts Tradition

The Contents of Lowood House

Scholar's Aesthetics: Dr Kenneth P. Lawley's Collection

The Peter Rose & Albert Gallichan Collection

Hints on Household Taste: Paul Reeves

The Taffner Collection

The Chen Collection

Corporate Collections

Tailored Valuation, Management & Sale

Brand-Aware Marketing & Communications

International Experience

Past Corporate Art Collections

The Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Collection

The Drambuie Collection

The Deloitte Collection

The Forbes Collection

Our Art Collections Specialists

FAQs: Selling a Private or Corporate Art Collection

Do I need to sell an entire collection?

How is a collection valued?

What is the best way to sell a collection: auction or private treaty?

How long does the selling process take?

How are collections prepared for sale?

Will my collection be marketed internationally?

How is confidentiality handled?

What happens if items do not sell?

Do you work with estates, trustees, and corporate boards?

Who will manage my collection?

How do I arrange a valuation or consultation?