10 April 2026
Douglas Girton
The antiques market is shaped by changing tastes as much as rarity or age. As interiors evolve and collectors look for pieces with character and story, certain categories come in and out of favour.
Douglas Girton, Head of Fine Furniture & Works of Art at Lyon & Turnbull, shares his current observations from the saleroom, highlighting what collectors are seeking, what is performing strongly and what is beginning to attract attention.
English blue and white transfer-printed pottery from the 19th century is enjoying a quiet resurgence. Long appreciated for its decorative charm, it is increasingly being used in interiors as a way to introduce pattern, colour and personality.
Grouped together, these pieces create striking displays, whether plates hung en masse or collections of tankards and serving wares arranged on shelves. Their appeal lies not only in their visual impact but in the sheer variety available, from pastoral scenes to intricate decorative patterns.
After a period where minimal interiors dominated, there is a renewed appetite for layered, expressive spaces. Blue and white ceramics sit perfectly within this shift, offering both versatility and lasting appeal.
Painted furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries is currently performing particularly well at auction.
Collectors and buyers are increasingly drawn to pieces with warmth, colour and surface character. Country furniture, especially, is attracting strong interest, often outperforming more formal, polished pieces. A Victorian painted cupboard, for example, can generate significant competition in the saleroom when it retains its original finish and patina.
Condition remains important, but signs of age - worn paint, softened edges - are often part of the appeal rather than a drawback. These surfaces tell a story, and that sense of authenticity is something buyers are actively seeking.
Anglo-Indian furniture and decorative objects are gaining increasing attention.
Produced primarily during the late 18th and 19th centuries, these pieces combine South Asian craftsmanship with European forms. Rich timbers such as sandalwood and padouk, along with intricate carving and inlay, give them a distinctive visual presence.
Recent sales have shown growing interest in this category, with well-executed examples attracting strong bidding. From large architectural pieces to smaller objects such as boxes and tea caddies, there is a broad spectrum of material to explore.
Across all three areas, a common thread emerges: a move away from uniform, minimal interiors towards objects with texture, individuality and narrative.
Ceramics are being displayed as art
Furniture is valued for surface and character
Cross-cultural objects are being re-evaluated
These shifts are reflected in both collecting habits and auction results, offering useful signals for those buying or selling.
