Art Law & More
We have an unrivalled pedigree of providing excellent legal advice to individuals, institutional collectors, estates and trustees, galleries, art and antique dealers on art law issues for over 300 years.
Our art lawyers advise on issues from the disputed authenticity of Old Masters, to conditional exemption claims and cutting-edge issues facing street artists.
Our outstanding reputation reflects the experience and expertise that we have accumulated, which itself helps us to understand the quirks peculiar to the fields in which our art law clients invest, work and flourish.
With offices in two of London’s largest artistic hubs, Mayfair and Bankside, our team has a thorough understanding of the market. Blending arts knowledge and legal expertise ensures we get the best results for our clients, which include artists and their estates, international auction houses, private and institutional collectors, galleries, art and antique dealers, valuers and independent advisors, trustees and leading landed estates, and financiers.
How we help
Our cross-departmental art law experts advise on:
- Commercial issues to enable you to manage your gallery, business or collection
- Heritage property and tax planning
- Dispute resolution involving art, cultural and luxury assets and disagreements with galleries or museums
- Property issues for artists, galleries and museums
- Issues involving the valuing and division of art and luxury assets arising on divorce.
What sets us apart is our understanding of the unique issues and concerns that apply to the art world, and our ability to draw on an extensive network of contacts, including experts, valuers and institutions, where necessary. The team are founder members of PAIAM (Professional Advisers to the International Arts Market), are members of IAL (Institute of Art Law) and are recommended by BADA (British Antique Dealers Association).
We have an award-winning blog and dedicated Twitter and Instagram feeds that keep our readers up to date on art law and art market news.
Click here to see our Art Law Glossary.
Recommended reading
Why are high‑profile artworks still being stolen when they cannot be sold openly on the legitimate market? Fred Clark, Partner and Arts & Culture specialist, comments in the Financial Times on the rise of rapid museum heists and explains how stolen artworks can continue to retain value within criminal networks as collateral, leverage or trophy assets. He also explores the tension facing museums, whose open and public nature can leave even leading cultural institutions vulnerable.
Read more 01 Apr 2026 Boodle Hatfield unveils 2026 promotions roundWe are delighted to announce the promotion of two new Partners, Clare Pooley and Michael Duffy (Private Wealth) and five new Senior Associates, Alex Gamble and Jessica Woollard (Private Wealth), Emilie Bladon and Rosie Larwood (Litigation), and Nick Salmon (Property). Congratulations to all of our colleagues on this fantastic achievement. Their expertise, dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional client service continue to strengthen our firm and the work we do.
Read more 01 Oct 2025 Could tighter cross border regulation push art collectors to other jurisdictions? – Fred Clark comments in eprivateclientAs cross-border art regulation tightens, could collectors be nudged toward more liberal jurisdictions? Corporate Partner and arts specialist, Fred Clark explores the shifting global landscape in eprivateclient.
Read more 25 Sep 2025 Philanthropy in the Art Market: Highlights from the PAIAM panel at Boodle HatfieldLast week, we hosted PAIAM at Boodle Hatfield for a lively panel exploring how philanthropy in the art market is evolving. Panellists from the V&A, The Twentieth and The Fine Art Group unpacked trends in ethical giving, climate-conscious support and the power of even modest contributions.
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