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.
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."