Biography

Olivia is an auctioneer and Junior Specialist in the Design Department in Edinburgh. Much of her time is spent cataloguing, condition reporting and appraising objects for sale, as well as researching and article-writing. She is the first point-of-contact for all departmental enquiries and supports the day-to-day running of the department.

After graduating with an MA in History of Art and an MLitt in Art & Business, Olivia joined Lyon & Turnbull in 2017 as an intern in the Antiques department, which involved working on a number of sales including Paul Reeves: Textiles as Art, her first introduction to Design from 1860 to the present day. Progressing into a Junior Specialist role, she now focuses solely on Design, and continues to develop her interests in ceramics and textiles from the Arts & Crafts period in particular. She has enjoyed working on a variety of collection sales which have given her the opportunity to learn from passionate collectors and museum professionals alike.

Prior to joining Lyon & Turnbull, Olivia worked as a Tour Guide for Glen Moray Distillery, one of the nine distilleries on the renowned Malt Whisky Trail in Speyside. Here, she was responsible for leading tours and exclusive tastings for whisky enthusiasts around the world. Olivia is also involved in our annual Scottish Works of Art & Whisky auction in August, and in 2022 was part of the team that brought the world’s largest bottle of whisky to auction.