Smith is being tasked with boosting the firm’s business in modern and contemporary art and design. Expansion plans include the launch of a new sale category.
Working primarily from L&T’s Connaught Street, London office, but travelling regularly to the firm’s Scottish base, Smith joins in April.
He will work alongside John Mackie, L&T’s director of decorative arts and design, and Charlotte Riordan, head of sale for contemporary and post-war art, who has been promoted to associate director.
“Philip’s arrival is part of our ongoing succession and expansion plans at Lyon & Turnbull,” said Gavin Strang, managing director of L&T.
“I’ve been impressed by Philip for years. He has excelled in modern and contemporary art and decorative art and design, and he will make a formidable team with John and Charlotte.”
L&T, which posted 2017 sales of £9.1m, recently expanded its contemporary sales from twice-yearly to three and hosted its first tribal sale earlier this month.
Smith said: “I am incredibly grateful to Mallams and the freedom they gave me.
“However, I had been there for 11 years and it was time to do something different. I see a great, positive, modern vision at L&T and there are gaps in the market that we can fill.”
Smith’s role coincides with key promotions at L&T. Asian specialist Ling Zhu has become head of the Asian department, replacing Lee Young, who is now managing director of Duke’s in Dorchester.
James McNaught, who joined L&T in 2012, has been promoted to head of the firm’s Glasgow office, replacing Charlotte Rostek, who continues to work with L&T as a consultant. Ruth Davis, department specialist for jewellery and silver based in L&T’s Edinburgh saleroom, has been promoted to become that office’s head of jewellery.
