Perth auction house opens up Aladdin’s cave for end-of-year sale

The pre-Christmas sale at Lindsay Burns auctioneers is traditionally a treasure trove for collectors and this year's is no exception

By Morag Lindsay

December 7 2024, 6:00am

Nick Burns says this WIlliam Gillies oil painting is one of the standout items in the Lindsay Burns December auction. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

A Perth auction house is gearing up for two of the busiest days in its calendar.

Next week’s antique, fine art and interiors sale at Lindsay Burns and Company will be followed by bidders around the world.

More than 900 lots will be going under the hammer on Tuesday and Wednesday.

And buyers will be able to get their hands on everything from a pocket watch to a grandfather clock, wines and spirits to works of art, and Victorian snuff boxes to Persian rugs.

Lindsay Burns spokesman Nick Burns says the December auction always tends to throw up an eclectic mix. And this year’s catalogue truly does promise something for everyone.

Nick Burns kneeling in front of ornate cabinet — Nick Burns inspects an impressive pair of 19th century cabinets expected to fetch between £1000 and £2000 in the sale. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

“It’s one of the highlights of the year,” said Nick.

“We’ve spent the last week sending out condition reports and speaking to potential buyers.

“So by the time the sale comes round the excitement has really built up.”

Tray of gold pocket watches — Pocket watches ready for the December sale at Lindsay Burns’ Perth auction house. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

He added: “We’re all looking at those objects that 20 people have been asking about and wondering what they’re going to go for.

“It’s what makes this job so fascinating.”

Several collections up for grabs

Standout lots in the Lindsay Burns December auction iclude a signed oil painting of a garden by Sir William Gillies.

The Scottish artist is currently the subject of an exhibition at Perth Art Gallery.

Nick Burns holding large painting showing green garden — The William Gillies painting is a fine example. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

This painting has an estimate of £600-£800.

There are two other unsigned works by Gillies in the sale.

Another highlight is a four centuries-old Turkish Iznik pottery charger.

It’s decorated with tulips and carnations and has an estimate of £1,800- £2,500 .

And it part of a remarkable collection of more than 50 pieces of Islamic pottery which will be auctioned next week.

Nick Burns holding large colourfully decorated plate — Nick keeps a careful hold on the 400-year-old piece of pottery. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson.

“They come from a private collector in Perthshire,” says Nick.

“The collection was put together in the 1960s and 70s, in the days before the internet, so each piece is fresh to the market and won’t have been seen before.”