Auctioneers Since 1826

Operating since 1826, Lyon & Turnbull is one of the longest-established fine art and antiques auction houses in the United Kingdom with locations throughout Scotland and London.

In the 21st century, we combine dedicated personal advice and attention with innovative, thoughtful marketing and a deep understanding of the art market to offer an unparalleled auctioneer service. With over 45 auctions per year including specialist categories including Scottish Paintings, Modern British Art, Asian Works of Art, Jewellery, Silver, Antiques, Rare Books, Furniture and Modern & Contemporary Art and Design.

Unparalleled Expertise

Lyon & Turnbull is uniquely placed to provide buyers and sellers with an international, premium platform coupled with nearly 200 years of heritage. In addition to our specialist auctions, our raison d'etre are single-owner collection sales. Each one is carefully crafted to accentuate the quality and uniqueness of the particular collection, generating unmissable events for collectors, and high (often record) prices for our clients.

Lyon & Turnbull operates internationally, providing valuation and auction services worldwide, and ensuring our client's works of art and antiques are seen, desired, and purchased by the world’s largest art markets in Europe, America and Asia. Our team of specialists, one of the largest in the country, are knowledgeable and approachable, and go to great efforts to make sure they understand and fulfil our clients’ tastes and needs.

Our Locations

Our Specialists

Our Partners

OUR HISTORY

1826 - 1999

Founded in 1826 by Jonathan Lyon, Lyon & Turnbull is Scotland's oldest established firm of auctioneers. In the nineteenth century, the company conducted regular auctions in Edinburgh, handling a bewildering variety of art and antiques, with highlights including furniture from Queen Victoria's residence at Balmoral.

Lyon & Turnbull's initial premises were based in Market Street near the cities main train station, Waverley. In the early 1840s, the firm moved premises to the new bustling hub of Edinburgh, George Street. Located at number 51, the prestigious move meant the firm was in the nearby company of the Assembly Rooms, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and their partner in business, upholsterer James Dowell, who established his own auctioneer business at number 65.

In 1999, Lyon & Turnbull was acquired by a group of auctioneers previously part of the Phillips team, an auction house that was the third largest in the world during the 1990s. Chaired by Sir Angus Grossart, the company's stated aim on regeneration was: "To rescue a national institution for Scotland and to establish a high-quality auction house with an international footprint from a base in Edinburgh."

"Having recently commenced business as auctioneer and appraiser, I take the liberty most respectfully to solicit your patronage..."
- Jonathan Lyon, 1826

OUR HISTORY

1999 - Present Day

Today Lyon & Turnbull are one of the leading auctioneers in the United Kingdom with over 45 sales a year in Edinburgh and London. Our headquarters at 33 Broughton Place, Edinburgh are located in an important Greek Revival building, a fine example of the work of Archibald Elliot (1760-1823), one of Scotland's leading architects of the early 19th century.

OUR EDINBURGH LOCATION

The renovation to transform the space into a modern auction room won the architects Malcolm Fraser Architects the Edinburgh Architectural Association Regeneration / Conservation Award and Roses Design Award in 2006, having completed the conversion in 2003.

At the same time the firm opened its first office in Glasgow and have now expanded to gallery premises at 182 Bath Street in the heart of the city's art quarter. A gallery that is renowned for its exhibitions, events and provision of valuation services.

Expanding to Central London

In 2002 Lyon & Turnbull expanded south to London where they opened their first gallery and offices in Pall Mall. Today our headquarters in London are centrally located close to Hyde Park at 22 Connaught Street. A beautiful gallery space that is home to an ever-growing team of specialists in Modern & Contemporary Art, Design, Jewellery & Luxury and Asian Art.

Alongside regular viewings, valuation days and events at the main gallery the London team also host a series of flagship auctions at the prestigious Mall Galleries on The Mall as well as other larger London art venues.

In early 2023, Lyon & Turnbull was joined by Iain Mackinnon as Chair, following the passing of Sir Angus Grossart. Today, Lyon & Turnbull is not only Scotland's most successful auction house but also one of the premier auctioneers in the United Kingdom.

ABOUT

Our International Alliance

Expanding its reach into the international market, Lyon & Turnbull formed a strategic marketing alliance with the historic U.S. auction house Freeman’s, in 2000.

Freeman’s holds an esteemed place as America's oldest auction house and as one of the country’s first family-owned businesses. The company was founded by Tristram Bampfylde Freeman in 1805 and remained in the hands of the Freeman family for six generations, until 2016, with landmark sales throughout its storied history. Freeman’s new flagship location is in Center City’s prestigious 2400 Market Street.

In 2023, Freeman’s and Hindman Auctions merged to form Freeman’s | Hindman, represented in 18 cities across the United States, and operates six salerooms, more than any other auction house in the country.

VISIT FREEMAN'S | HINDMAN

EVENTS

Events & Valuation Days

Browse our latest events and valuation days across the country

FORTHCOMING AUCTIONS

Auction Calendar

Browse and bid on lots for our forthcoming auctions

STORIES

Latest News & Stories

Discover latest news and stories from the Lyon & Turnbull team