Private Sales

Lyon & Turnbull Private Sales offers you the flexibility to discreetly buy and sell works of art outside of the auction calendar. Whether it be fine jewellery, decorative arts or paintings, our specialists are here to help value, source and sell works on your behalf and connect you with buyers worldwide.

Our alliance with America’s oldest auction house, Freeman’s of Philadelphia, expands the reach into the international market, boosting sales potential in the US market, whilst still maintaining one of the company's joint core values: one-to-one client service.

Contact Our Team

Contact a member of our Private Sales team to discuss your enquiry. Call 0131 557 8844 or

Frequently Asked Questions

What are private sales?

In comparison to public auction, private sales offer a confidential sale where artwork is not exposed to the wider market. Lyon & Turnbull would work on your behalf to broker a deal at an agreed price between buyer and seller, using our highly experienced specialists and their networks. Private sales have the potential, if considerately priced, to enable an immediate sale and can give the consignor much more control over the process.

How do private sales work?

On being contacted our specialists would carefully value your artwork using their knowledge and expertise, taking into account comparative works, valuing it with a price range which takes into account the individual circumstances and needs of the buyer. Our specialists would be looking to work directly and confidentially one-on-one with buyer and seller to discretely negotiate a deal to both parties satisfaction for your unique works of art over a limited amount of time.

How do we protect client confidentiality?

Confidentiality is at the forefront of every transaction with Lyon & Turnbull and we would not divulge the buyer/seller without the express permission of those parties involved.

Who should I contact to find out more?

You would be welcome to approach Philip Smith for London & South, and Gavin Strang for Scotland, or depending on the category the relevant head of department at Lyon & Turnbull. Visit our specialist directory below.

How long do private sales take?

Private sales have the advantage of working at your own pace, and we will do our utmost to work to your needs. However, there is no set time period, but we will keep you well informed at each stage of the process. As a seller should you consign work for private sale, we would ask for an agreement defining Lyon & Turnbull’s right to offer the work exclusively to buyers for a limited period so that the work does not become over-exposed on the market. Timings can vary depending on the desirability of the art work in the market.

How can I discover how much my items are worth?

We offer a complimentary valuation service with no initial commitment for works you are considering selling in a private sale. Simply send through images and information of the items you are considering selling privately and we will forward it to the relevant specialist at Lyon & Turnbull who would evaluate your items and get in touch.

Our Private Sale Specialists