Richard Elliott

How can art market regulations combat illicit trade without creating challenges for legitimate collectors and owners? In Antiques Trade Gazette, Partner and Arts & Culture specialist, Fred Clark examines the impact of the EU’s cultural goods import regime one year on, exploring the practical difficulties created by historic provenance requirements and whether the regulations have achieved the right balance between protecting cultural heritage and supporting lawful trade.

This week, Legal Director, Celia Lloyd Davidson will be speaking at the AIM Conference. She will deliver a session on ‘What museum professionals need to know about commercial contracts’, sharing practical guidance on key risks, red flags and sector-specific considerations. Drawing on her experience advising arts and heritage clients, as well as previously working within a national museum, Celia brings a distinctive and highly practical perspective.

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.

We 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.