13 March 2026
James McNaught
In a market that is often characterised by headline-grabbing results and record prices, the reality of what collectors are actually buying day to day is rather more nuanced.
From my perspective as a valuer and Head of Business Development at Lyon & Turnbull, the strongest demand continues to centre on well-designed, well-attributed pieces with recognisable names, particularly those that sit comfortably within contemporary homes and collections.
Design-led works remain a particularly resilient area of the market. Pieces by Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928), for example, continue to attract a broad range of buyers. Collectors appreciate not only the historical importance of Mackintosh’s work but also its enduring aesthetic clarity. Chairs, lighting, architectural fragments and decorative objects associated with his designs frequently generate competitive bidding, especially when they combine strong provenance with good condition. For many collectors, these pieces offer the opportunity to acquire museum-quality design that still feels entirely relevant in a modern interior.
Alongside this, we continue to see sustained interest in smaller Arts and Crafts furniture and objects. The appeal here is twofold: scale and craftsmanship. Collectors are increasingly drawn to pieces that demonstrate exceptional making; hand-worked timber, carefully considered proportions, and honest materials but which are also practical within contemporary living spaces. A finely made occasional table, a cabinet, or a distinctive chair can often outperform larger furniture simply because it fits more easily into modern homes.
Prints and Multiples by well-known artists represent another particularly active area of the market. For many collectors, these works provide an accessible entry point into collecting while still offering the reassurance of a recognised name. Editions by established modern and contemporary artists consistently perform well when they are strong examples of the artist’s work, well-presented and sensibly estimated. The combination of recognisability, relative affordability, and visual impact continues to make prints a dynamic and liquid segment of the market.
What unites all of these categories is the importance of authorship and design quality. Today’s buyers are increasingly informed and selective. While decorative appeal remains important, collectors are also seeking pieces that carry a clear story; a named designer, a recognised maker, or a work that fits within a broader art historical context.
Ultimately, the lesson across the market is that good design and strong names continue to perform, regardless of discipline. Whether it is a Mackintosh chair, a well-crafted Arts and Crafts cabinet, or a print by a widely recognised artist, collectors remain willing to compete for objects that combine aesthetic strength, historical significance, and quality of execution.
In an increasingly global and digitally connected auction market, these attributes remain remarkably consistent indicators of demand. While tastes inevitably evolve, the fundamentals of collecting; good design, strong provenance, and recognisable names; remain as relevant as ever.
