Department profile
Howard Kennedy LLP

Art and Cultural Property Law

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Howard Kennedy LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Howard Kennedy LLP

Passionate about art and culture, Howard Kennedy's lawyers draw on a wealth of expertise and experience to help clients across this sector navigate its rules and complexities. We have substantial knowledge of, and a longstanding reputation in, the art world, having advised clients in this area since 1982.


We act for artists and estates; galleries, auction houses and dealers; collectors and foundations; museums and public collections; charities and public organisations - as well as governments and nation states. We advise artists and estates who are household names, and emerging artists at the start of their careers. Galleries and dealers entrust their most important commercial agreements to us and instruct us to resolve their most consequential disputes. Nation states turn to us when the heritage on which their national identities are built is at stake. 


Our clients value our insights and holistic advice and the fact that they don't have to teach us how the art world works before they retain us. Unlike a lot of law firms that operate in this sphere solely as a result of their having to handle expensive objects for wealthy clients, Howard Kennedy works hand in glove with every aspect of the art world. Our work spans almost every legal specialism within the firm, and whether the matter at hand involves antiquities or artificial intelligence – Howard Kennedy has expertise that we can field to assist you.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Art and Cultural Property Law - UK-wide

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For
Howard Kennedy is well regarded for working with artists, dealers, collectors and institutions on high-profile contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm's mandates range from the purchase and sale of art to ownership and IP-related matters.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Howard Kennedy’s lawyers are outstanding at recognising issues involved at a personal and professional level, and offering appropriate advice.

    Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK
  • Howard Kennedy demonstrates exceptional experience, clarity and dedication, and it has an ability to provide well thought-out solutions.

    Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK
  • The Howard Kennedy team has empathy, kindness and sensitivity towards the circumstances of artists. Every response is professional, considered and incredibly thoughtful.

    Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK
  • Howard Kennedy has in-depth knowledge of copyright and moral rights of artists.

    Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Associates to watchJon Sharples
    Associates to watchJon Sharples

    Jon Sharples

    Jon Sharples is senior associate specialised in intellectual property and art law. He advises on disputes, contracts and collaborations involving artists, galleries, collectors and institutions.

    • Jon is an outstanding lawyer with a deep understanding of the arts. He brings a nuanced perspective to every situation, quickly grasping the issue and offering practical solutions that bring clarity.

      Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK
    • Jon produces content that is extremely rich and very well received. He is a pleasure to work with, and very nice, making life much easier.

      Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK
    • Jon is incredibly embedded in the arts market and has great contacts and understanding. He is creative and innovative.

      Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Howard Kennedy LLP (1)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Howard Kennedy LLP

Howard Kennedy LLP has rankings in the following guides

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