Join our Head of Business Development James McNaught as he discusses developing Lyon & Turnbull's relationships across the UK, looking to the exciting events coming up at our London gallery.
How did you first get into this industry?
I’m often reminded that for my eighth birthday I asked for a subscription to Country Life and I have always had a passion for interiors, arts and antiques. I am lucky enough to have come from a background where this was encouraged. I went to Aberdeen University where I read Land Economy, one of the traditional land management courses that lead into Chartered Surveying or a job in the City. After University I interned with various galleries and auction houses and realised that this was what I wanted to do to pursue valuations. As luck would have it Lyon & Turnbull were about to offer two major Collections – The Forbes Collection at Old Battersea House and Blair - for these it was all hands on deck and this soon led on to a permanent position within the team.
Tell us about a highlight of your career so far?
It is always very rewarding, and I do get a sense of satisfaction to be able to bring beautiful works of art to the open market. One of the most memorable and my career highlight is a deceased estate that I was asked to value and then put to sale. The Late Dr Helen Cargill Thompson, during her lifetime she had been a keen collector of silver, books and paintings. However, there was a gem within the collection and that was a beautiful oil painting ‘Poppies’ by neo classicist John William Godward. It was offered in a paintings section of our Five Centuries auction and sold for £447,000. This valuation still stands out to me, especially since during my career at Lyon & Turnbull I had gotten to know Dr Cargill Thompson and I knew the proceeds were going onto form an Educational Charitable Trust.
Tell us about your new role in London
As Head of Business Development my role will take on the responsibilities of developing and maintaining business opportunities and expanding Lyon & Turnbull's presence across the UK. I will be managing our Professional Partnerships for events, which include Exhibitions, Valuation Days and lectures throughout the UK and further to highlight the Lyon & Turnbull brand with a focus on London.
One of the exciting things that we have developed over the past 5-10 years at Lyon & Turnbull is our commitment to the Arts over and above our core business and auction calendar! Throughout 2023 we have hosted a variety of charity auctions, raising thousands of pounds for charity (our charity partner for 2024 has just been announced as the Brain Tumour Research). In addition, we curate exhibitions and displays of topical and market leading artists. Most recently, we have celebrated 150 years since the birth of J.D. Fergusson with a touring exhibition of paintings and sculpture. A Scottish Colourist: John Duncan Fergusson at 150 was on view at our Connaught Street gallery in London from February 19th – 1st March 2024, and will go onto our Glasgow gallery later this month.
Lyon & Turnbull loves hosting our professional networks and if you think this is something that you or your colleagues would be interested in then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day for me starts with emails! I do a lot of travelling and remote working so whenever I can I’ll start with my inbox on my laptop or phone. There will always be an early morning check in with the Team in Glasgow and Edinburgh. So much more can be done online and I will usually have a few Teams meetings. I really enjoy presenting to professional contacts and private clients, including societies and wider art interest groups. It is always great fun to get audience participation and test out their valuation skills and knowledge!
Where do you see London in five years time?
I don’t necessarily put a timeframe on the progression of our business set up in London. My colleagues have established a really successful events and auction calendar making use of our own Gallery at 22 Connaught Street including our Fine Asian Art, Islamic & Indian Art and Select Jewellery & Watches auctions, and at Mall Galleries for Lyon & Turnbull's Fine Art & Design Week with our flagship ‘Modern Made’ auction, as well as Lalique, Vintage & Travel Posters. These are established brands and its my job to build upon these and build awareness of Lyon & Turnbull, both in London, and throughout the UK.
During this Springs's Fine Art & Design Week at Mall Galleries, we are delighted to host a breakfast seminar on Succession Planning on Thursday 25 April 2024 covering key tax, legal and art advice that individuals with art collections need to consider, with speakers from Talbot Capes Art Management, Mishcon de Reya, Deloitte, Verlingue and Lyon & Turnbull.
Or register your place James.McNaught@lyonandturnbull.com
