Reflections On 2025

As we move into 2026, the past year stands as a clear marker of growth, confidence and sustained demand across the auction market.

Across the calendar year, more than 38,000 lots were offered across 139 auctions, reflecting both the scale of operations and the breadth of artworks and items entrusted to our care. From Scottish contemporary art, whisky and silver to watches, jewellery, Asian art and British pictures, strong performance was seen across all departments.

International engagement remained a defining feature, with successful bidders from Scotland and across the globe participating in auctions throughout the year.

Scottish Contemporary Art remains at the heart of McTear’s business. During 2025, thousands of works featured in twelve specialist auctions, including pieces by John Bellany, Peter Howson, Jack Vettriano, John Byrne, Steven Campbell, Jolomo, Gerard Burns and many others.

The Glasgow Boys were also well represented in 2025, with impressive works by Edward Atkinson Hornel achieving strong results in The Scottish Pictures Auctions.

Whisky sales continued to perform strongly, with Scotland’s leading distilleries featured prominently, with exceptional expressions of The Macallan once again demonstrating why the distillery remains a major draw for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike

As interest in 19th and 20th century design has expanded, McTear’s has kept pace with a series of dedicated sales focusing on the finest examples from this important period. Traditional antiques were given the auction spotlight, as well as silver, ceramics, glass, bronzes and textiles.

Jewellery sales also reflected sustained confidence in the market, with both antique and modern designer necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets achieving impressive results. Similarly, the dedicated auctions of watches and of coins regularly out-performed pre-auction estimates.

Demand for rare sporting memorabilia showed no sign of abating, with a remarkable array of lots going under the hammer.

Alongside its commercial success, McTear’s continued its commitment to charitable fundraising, supporting a number of deserving causes. Highlights included the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Auction in October, featuring works by over 200 leading urban artists, as well as ongoing support for Glasgow Women’s Aid.

With a strong sales programme already underway, McTear’s enters 2026 well positioned to build on this momentum. We look forward to welcoming new consignments, engaging with a growing international audience and bringing more rare and remarkable lots to auction in the year ahead.

We thank our valued clients for their continued confidence in our auctions and services.

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Free, no-obligation advice is available on selling art, antiques, jewellery, watches, whisky and more at McTear’s, either online or in your home. Entries are invited for all specialist sales.

To discuss consigning to a McTear’s auction, please call 0141 810 2280, emailauction@mctears.co.uk or visit mctears.co.uk.