Lyon & Turnbull

Lyon & Turnbull: Scotland's Oldest Auction House

Lyon & Turnbull holds the distinction of being Scotland's oldest auction house, established in 1826 in Edinburgh. For nearly two centuries, the firm has served as a cornerstone of the Scottish art and antiques market, offering fine art, jewelry, Asian art, Scottish paintings, furniture, and decorative arts from its elegant Edinburgh saleroom. The house's deep roots in Scottish culture, combined with a modern approach to international marketing and specialist curation, have sustained its relevance and reputation across dramatically changing markets. Lyon & Turnbull is now part of the Freeman's | Hindman network, connecting it to one of the largest auction platforms in the United States and broadening its reach to a truly global audience.

History and Edinburgh Heritage

Founded during the reign of George IV, Lyon & Turnbull has operated through nearly every major development in the history of the auction trade. The firm has handled collections from Scotland's great country houses, prominent Edinburgh families, and institutional sources, building an unrivaled understanding of the Scottish art and antiques market. The Edinburgh saleroom, centrally located in the city, provides a distinguished setting for previews and live auctions. Edinburgh's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major cultural capital adds to the appeal of attending sales in person.

Specialties and Departments

Scottish paintings and contemporary Scottish art are natural specialties for the house, with dedicated sales featuring the Scottish Colourists (Peploe, Cadell, Hunter, Fergusson), the Glasgow Boys, and contemporary artists working in Scotland today. The fine art department extends well beyond Scottish borders, however, offering European Old Masters, British paintings, and modern and contemporary works.

The Asian art department has become increasingly important, with Chinese and Japanese works of art drawing international competition at dedicated sales. Jewelry and timepieces form another significant department, with regular sales of antique and modern jewelry, signed designer pieces, and collector watches. Furniture, silver, ceramics, and decorative arts round out the offering, with particular depth in Scottish material.

The Freeman's | Hindman Connection

Lyon & Turnbull's integration into the Freeman's | Hindman network—which includes Freeman's in Philadelphia and Hindman in Chicago—has transformed the firm's reach. Consignors now benefit from exposure to a combined buyer base spanning the UK, Europe, and North America. The network's shared specialist resources, marketing capabilities, and technology platform mean that a consignment in Edinburgh can attract bidders from around the world. For buyers, the connection provides access to a broader range of consignments and the convenience of dealing with a network that has salerooms in three major English-speaking markets.

Lyon & Turnbull vs. Other Scottish and UK Regional Auction Houses

Buying and Consigning

Lyon & Turnbull offers complimentary valuations for potential consignments, either at the Edinburgh saleroom, through regional valuation events across Scotland and northern England, or remotely via email and online submissions. The buyer's premium is typically around 25% of the hammer price, in line with UK standards. The house's combination of nearly 200 years of expertise, a beautiful Edinburgh setting, and global network reach makes it an appealing choice for sellers seeking the best results and buyers looking for quality Scottish and international fine art and antiques.