IN MEMORY

Theo Burrell (1986-2026)

13 July 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long-standing member of the Lyon & Turnbull family Theo Burrell after a four-year battle with an aggressive brain tumour. She died peacefully on Wednesday 8th July surrounded by her family.

Theo joined the team in 2011 during the final stages of her post-graduate studies and quickly progressed to become a star auctioneer. Initially working on the seasonal antiques sales she went to develop the Interiors sale format. Following this she became a key part of our Fine Furniture & Works of Art team, specialising in European ceramics, glass and decorative arts.

A Lifelong Passion for Antiques

Her experience and interest developed from her studies: an MA in History and a MLitt in Decorative Arts, both completed at the University of Glasgow. Before finishing her second degree, Theo interned with Lyon & Turnbull for some time, working on various auctions throughout the company. Her relationship with Lyon & Turnbull stretches back to her teens however, when she spent summers working as a viewing staff member.

Having started her career as a viewing assistant, Theo was always a familiar and reassuring presence for those taking their first steps in the business. She generously gave her time to mentor and encourage many young people with an interest in the field, sharing the knowledge she had gained through experience.

Over the years in the Antiques department, Theo built countless lasting friendships and professional relationships with private collectors and members of the trade alike. Her genuine enthusiasm for antiques, combined with her warmth, kindness, and keen sense of humour, made for many an engaging conversation. She never stopped learning and delighted in sharing that passion with others.

In 2018, Theo's expertise and infectious enthusiasm earned her a place on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow, where she brought her love of ceramics and decorative arts to viewers across the UK and beyond.

Taking on the Battle

Following her diagnosis with glioblastoma in June 2022, Theo became a passionate advocate for improving outcomes for people affected by brain tumours. She campaigned for increased government investment in research, faster diagnosis and greater access to clinical trials.

She worked closely with The Brain Tumour Charity and became a Patron of Brain Tumour Research in November 2023. She worked tirelessly through media appearances, fundraising events and public campaigning to help raise awareness of support needed for those with brain tumours and the very urgent need for greater research funding.

Glioblastoma is incurable and there has been no advancement in treatments in treatment for the last two decades. Brain tumours continue to kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet to date just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.

In 2023 were we proud to support Theo with her fundraising auction Piece of Mind, that raised over £64,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity. Theo led the team gathering support from a huge range of celebrities including Ben Whishaw, Joe Lycett, Brendan O’Carroll, Chris & Rosie Ramsey, Paolo Nutini, Adam Kay, Alex Horne and Dame Jaqueline Wilson. She also took to the airwaves to personally promote the auction on nationwide TV show Steph’s Packed Lunch on Channel 4, bringing in bids from across the UK and beyond.

Later in 2023 Theo’s became a patron for the charity Brain Tumour Research. Using her remarkable levels of determination she not only fundraised for the charity she also used her profile to lobby for more investment by appearing on BBC news programmes, delivering a petition to 10 Downing Street and speaking at the Scottish Parliament.

In March of this year, she met with Health Secretary Wes Streeting and experts at The Scottish Briain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence in Glasgow – to encourage the UK government to do drive forward research into new cancer treatments and technologies.

My care has been excellent and new advances in science have helped me fight cancer so far. However, only by funding research into brain tumours can we get closer to a life-saving cure. Brain cancer is a few steps ahead of us, it's outsmarting us. We can get a man on the moon, but we can't cure brain tumours. It's so frustrating and funding is so thin on the ground.

Theo Burrell

Continuing Theo’s Legacy

Theo’s passion and drive for the work of Brain Tumour Research has so far raised over £60,000 for the charity, including inspiring the teams at Lyon & Turnbull and Dramfool Whisky to join the effort by leaping from tall towers and running marathons to creating special edition tasting kits.

The Lyon & Turnbull team will continue to support Brain Tumour Research with ongoing fundraising events. Brain Tumour Research receive no government funding, relying solely on the support of organisations, groups and individual fundraising efforts. Each Research Centre of Excellence needs £1 million a year to sustain the vital discovery research so desperately needed – that is £2,740 every day, per centre.

If you would like to help support better outcomes to people living with brain cancer please click the link below to donate.

Support Team Theo

Theo had a passion for helping others and worked tirelessly throughout her illness to raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research, help her legacy continue by donating to Team Theo now.

A member of the L&T family we will never forget

“Theo was a remarkable person who would truly light up a room with her presence. She brought passion and determination to everything she did from the world of antiques to fighting for the brain tumour community. Her willingness to share her knowledge and energy was a real inspiration. Lyon & Turnbull will be a quieter place without that laugh.”

Alex Dove

“Theo impressed from the moment she stepped into our lives – always an enthusiastic and hard-working colleague she was also enormous fun to work with and brought joy to the many people she met. She was clear-sighted, unafraid to challenge injustice and always willing to take on new challenges. I am sure that these qualities helped her when she received her devastating diagnosis.

Theo never shied away from speaking out about her condition – and was articulate and honest about it which did a tremendous amount to further the cause of brain tumour charities. I also think it gave others permission to talk to her about it and to support her along the way.

She was remarkable and I will always remember her as she was at her best: full of life, determination, humour and warmth.”

John Mackie