Art and Cultural Property Law
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
About
Provided by Mishcon de Reya LLP
Founded in 1995, our specialist art law practice was the first of its kind. Today, as a leader in this field, we have a presence in almost every conceivable aspect of the art market and our clients include international collectors, artists, dealers, art institutions, art foundations, museums, galleries, governments and auction houses.
We understand that collecting art and artefacts can be a lifetime passion. But owning, managing and creating art brings obligations and responsibilities, such as reputation and legacy, the protection of cultural heritage and financial planning.
Art and antiques are also international business. They transcend national boundaries, moving around the world as they are bought, sold, exhibited and loaned. Art provokes political debate and attracts media attention, yet those who handle it are reliant on trust and discretion.
Our non-contentious work includes complex international cross-jurisdictional transactions covering a wide range of commercial agreements, creation of art funds and other art investment structures, and advice on anti-money laundering regulations. Our contentious work includes advising on cases of defective title, provenance, authenticity, attribution and reputation as well as criminal and fraudulent aspects of art.
Specialist services range from advice on sale, purchase, loan, consignment and financing of art to exploitation and protection of copyright and cultural heritage issues.
Chambers Review
Mishcon de Reya is well known for handling some of the best art and cultural property work in the market. The team advises on transactional matters and represents clients involved in major disputes.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team at Mishcon de Reya manages to always get an accurate, detailed and well-thought-out answer to all questions in a timely manner no matter the complexity or jurisdiction."
"Mishcon is recognised as being among the top law firms in terms of litigation and non-contentious matters relating to the art market."
"Mishcon has a dedicated team that does an awful lot of international work. They do a mix of art, cultural heritage protection and regulatory; they do the full suite."
"The team at Mishcon de Reya manages to always get an accurate, detailed and well-thought-out answer to all questions in a timely manner no matter the complexity or jurisdiction."
"Mishcon is recognised as being among the top law firms in terms of litigation and non-contentious matters relating to the art market."
"Mishcon has a dedicated team that does an awful lot of international work. They do a mix of art, cultural heritage protection and regulatory; they do the full suite."
Notable Practitioners
Amanda Gray advises auction houses, collectors, dealers and institutional clients on contentious and non-contentious art-related matters.
"She is incredibly passionate and hard-working. I have never seen anyone do so much academic work outside of their practice. She has a real personal interest in art."
"Amanda Gray is truly brilliant and has always supplied insightful advice."
"Amanda is very well connected in the art world, which is very helpful in getting access to expert witnesses. She really understands her clients' commercial needs."
Karen Sanig remains a hugely respected name in the art law market. She regularly advises clients on transactions and artists' rights and estates. She also represents parties in art-related disputes concerning authenticity, ownership and attribution.
"Karen Sanig is very well respected and is one of the eminent leaders in the art law world. She has seen a lot of important cases and is at the top of her game."
"Words cannot describe how brilliant Karen Sanig is. I have worked with Karen intensely for decades and am always impressed with the breadth and scope of her knowledge and the wisdom of her advice."
"Karen is an incredible strategist. She can see within a really complicated matter how to quickly dissect the issues and forge a clear path to resolution."
Simon Chadwick has recently been promoted to partner at Mishcon de Reya. He brings his previous experience in a gallery to his art and cultural property practice. He regularly advises on significant disputes in the industry.
"Simon has a background in the art market so he understands first hand how the market works and can apply his legal knowledge to that area very well."
"Simon is unflappable: a cool head in a crazy industry."
"Simon has a steel trap of a mind. He is very, very clever and quite a formidable lawyer."
Abby Brindley is a managing associate at Mishcon de Reya. She advises clients on art and cultural property disputes.
"Abby exuded a strong sense of being in command and on top of the job. She was very businesslike and gave the impression that this was all in a day's work for her."
"Abby has a great level of service and true commercial awareness."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mishcon de Reya LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Mishcon de Reya LLP
Abby Brindley
Head of Department
Ana Yiannikas
Head of Department
Michelle Stroube
Simon Chadwick