11 March 2026
Carly Shearer
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 the personality, outlook and vision of the person who brought them together and lived amongst them.
This striking collection of Contemporary Art and Prints is bold and unapologetic, built by a passionate art lover over the last few decades. Below, we explore some of the highlights.
John Lowrie Morrison (JoLoMo) was one of the earliest artists to peak our collector’s interest, the expressive brushwork and vibrant colour offering a new way to enjoy depictions of the landscapes of Scotland, particularly the turquoise waters and charming cottages of the Western Isles.
And this preoccupation with colour runs through the collection, with vibrant hues, particularly of pink and blue, appearing across works as diverse as Woman Shouting by Pat Douthwaite and print works by David Shrigley and Peter Doig. In contrast, the absence of colour also becomes a statement, with the selection of monochromatic works offering a striking and dramatic contrast to all the bold colour. We can imagine the impact the combination would make across a room, or a whole property.
Literature is an important reference-point for the collection and inspired the accumulation of a selection of the works, particularly by The Connor Brothers, where the visual format of a book or bookshelf is used to make humorous and pointed political comments. Text elements inject a strong dose of humour and personality to the collection, from the irreverence of Shrigley’s screenprints to Gilbert & George’s ironic statement, I’m Straight. This is a collection that likes to make a statement, sparking an immediate response and inviting conversation.
Over time, any collection evolves. Initially this collector acquired artworks to mark and celebrate significant life events, such as graduations, milestone birthdays, work promotions etc. But over time, acquisition became a joy itself, a way of exploring interests and furnishing surroundings. Artworks were acquired from a variety of sources, from established Edinburgh galleries and directly from artist publishers to purchases that helped to support artists working in Scotland today, from Edinburgh Printmakers and the Royal Scottish Academy.
This characterful collection has such a sense of fun and joy. Viewing the works together shows us how vibrant and bold art can be, allowing the opportunity for significant expression of yourself across the walls of your home.
- Carly Shearer, Head of Contemporary Art
Head of Contemporary Art | Edinburgh carly.shearer@lyonandturnbull.com 0131 557 8844
Associate Director, Senior Fine Art Specialist simon.hucker@lyonandturnbull.com 0207 930 9115
Associate Specialist, Fine Art romey.clark@lyonandturnbull.com 0131 557 8844
Sale Coordinator, Fine Art charlotte.cockburn@lyonandturnbull.com 0131 557 8844
Sale Coordinator, Fine Art amelia.hacking@lyonandturnbull.com 0207 930 9115
Scottish 1948 -
Scottish 1939 - 2002
British 1968 -
Scottish 1959 -
"This collection reflects a genuine love of art. What began as a way of celebrating life’s milestones grew into a joyful exploration of artists, ideas and living with bold, expressive works."
- Carly Shearer, Head of Contemporary Art
