Modern & Contemporary Craft

Lyon & Turnbull is an auction market leader in the promotion of Modern & Contemporary Craft in the UK and internationally. Our dedication to this specialised field is evident through our ability to set world artist records in the secondary market for renowned contemporary craft artists.

From ceramics to glass, silversmithing to jewellery, and textiles to furniture, crafts have played a significant role in the culture, sociology, and history of contemporary Britain. Despite their often-overlooked importance, Lyon & Turnbull has consistently championed this dynamic sector and is proud to offer dedicated sections within MODERN MADE, our flagship biannual sale, further highlighting contemporary craftsmanship at the height of the auction season.

Our auctions are carefully curated, offering bespoke marketing, elegant catalogues, and expertly designed displays. We present the works of leading figures in contemporary craft, including John Makepeace, Gerald Benney, Wendy Ramshaw, Junko Mori, Jim Partridge, David Pye, and Dale Chihuly, among others. Lyon & Turnbull is committed to offering industry-leading expertise in modern craft auctions, ensuring our clients access the finest and most influential pieces.

^{All sale results shown are inclusive of buyer’s premium.}

Modern & Contemporary Craft Auction Valuation

Discover the value of your modern & contemporary craft by contacting our specialist team for a complimentary auction valuation

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The Rising Significance of Contemporary Craft

During the last few decades, the distinctions between art, design and modern craft have become increasingly blurred. Crafts' growing significance was demonstrated over the pandemic, as the number of buyers of contemporary craft increased by over 270% whilst over the last 15 years, craft sales in Britain alone have tripled to over £3 billion.

In particular, its growing importance is recognised by a younger audience keen to invest in physical disciplines, the artists and their stories. In a world often revolving around the impersonal, modern craft objects have become a conduit for the imagination in our homes, and there has been a growing transformation of outlook concerned with the importance placed on the integrity of the material and ideas.

AUCTION

MODERN MADE

Discover our Flagship Contemporary Craft Auction

BUY

How to Buy Contemporary Craft at Auction

SELL

How to Sell Contemporary Craft at Auction

PAST EVENT

Living in a Material World

Find out more about our September 2024 event

STORY

MODERN MADE Sees New Generation of Contemporary Craft Buyers 

Our Modern Craft specialist Philip Smith is recognised as one of the leading auction experts in contemporary craft in the UK. Philip’s experience and passion for this area, together with a wide network of contacts and strong links to renowned experts, makers and museums and a dedication to sourcing some of the best examples make these auctions some of the leading events in the auction calendar in this discipline.

Meet our Contemporary Craft Specialists