26 November 2024
Lyon & Turnbull
In the mid-19th century, Edinburgh was a city on the rise. The New Town was flourishing, the professional classes were growing, and with them came a demand for auctioneers who could handle everything from elegant townhouses to fine collections.It was during this period that William Lyon made a choice that would set the course for the company we know today as Lyon & Turnbull.
By the 1850s, William Lyon had already proved himself capable. He had worked alongside his father Jonathan in the family business and later with the respected Edinburgh firm Dowells, where he gained experience in higher-value sales and the fast-paced world of property auctions.
But in 1863, Lyon took a bold step. He ended his partnership with Dowells and looked to the future. His decision opened the door to an alliance that would define the next chapter of his career.
Around this time, William Lyon joined forces with another ambitious auctioneer, William Elliot Turnbull. Born in Roxburghshire in 1830, Turnbull had started at Dowells as a clerk before working his way up to partner. He brought with him a keen eye for business, a drive for expansion, and a strong network in Edinburgh’s professional community.
Together, the two Williams shared both ambition and complementary skills, a recipe for a partnership that would last well beyond their lifetimes.
The pair chose George Street Hall as their saleroom, an elegant building in the heart of Edinburgh, now known as the Assembly Rooms. The venue had previously hosted lectures, exhibitions, and even photographic societies, but under Lyon & Turnbull it took on a new life.
Here, the firm staged sales that ranged from high-profile property auctions to decorative arts, wines, and unusual collections. Its central location and distinguished setting made George Street Hall a perfect stage for the kind of prestige Lyon & Turnbull sought to cultivate.
On 02 January 1864, advertisements in the local press announced the formation of the new firm: Lyon & Turnbull. The timing was no coincidence, just days earlier, the last sale under the old Dowells & Lyon partnership had closed, marking the end of one chapter and the start of another.
From that moment, the Lyon & Turnbull name became firmly rooted in Edinburgh life. The firm’s reputation for lively auctions and varied catalogues quickly grew, appealing to both local collectors and a wider clientele.
The importance of the Lyon-Turnbull partnership cannot be overstated. It combined Lyon’s practical experience and established reputation with Turnbull’s drive and modern vision. Together, they laid the groundwork for a business that would not only survive for generations but still thrives today, nearly two centuries later.
[1826 - 1900]
