We are an independent law firm advising the art market on deals, disputes and other matters. Based at Studio Voltaire in London, we are immersed in the art world and work closely with fellow experts in the UK and overseas to protect our clients’ interests in a dynamic, fast-paced, global art market.

We work hard to understand our clients’ objectives and deliver a high-quality service that adds value and is cost-effective. As one of the only law firms in the world with a total focus on the art market, we are very well-placed to advise our clients on their most important art matters.

Our clients are leading international artists and their estates, advisors, collectors and dealers. Expertise includes:

• Advising on the sale/purchase of art, both privately and at auction

• Advising on disputes arising from art transactions, including over title/ownership, authenticity, attribution, provenance and non-payment

• Bringing ‘rediscovered’ works to market and navigating authentication committees in the UK and abroad

• Advising on the consignment of art from the perspective of both consignor and consignee

• Advising on disputes arising from art consignments, including damage to work, breach of contract and non-payment

• Advising on representation agreements between artists and galleries and associated disputes

• Advising on art commissions from the perspective of both the artist and commissioner

• Advising on terms of business and other documentation for art advisors

• Advising on the law of agency, the duties owed by an agent to their principal and disputes arising from alleged breach of fiduciary duties

• Advising and negotiating loans of art to institutions and other exhibitions

• Advising on the international movement of art including import and export restrictions

• Advising and negotiating loans using art as collateral for borrowers

• Advising insureds on art insurance coverage and associated disputes

• Advising on regulatory matters, including anti money-laundering (AML) laws and regulations

• Advising on the exploitation and protection of copyright and related intellectual property rights including “moral rights” and the Artist Resale Right (Droit de Suite)

• Advising on publishing agreements between publishers and contributors

• Legacy and estate planning for artists and collectors

When advising on transactions, we adopt a commercial, solution-driven approach to mitigate risk whilst getting the deal done. We know which points to take and which to give. We work swiftly but never rush.

When disputes arise, we aim to resolve them promptly and discretely. Where litigation cannot be avoided, we fight hard to win, mindful always of our clients’ objectives and the inherent risk and cost of litigation.

Our total independence, deep art law expertise and network of leading experts allows us to assemble the very best team in the UK and overseas to meet our clients’ objectives.