Department profile
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Art and Cultural Property Law

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Stephenson Harwood LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Our art law team has a deep understanding of the art market. Our lawyers combine extensive experience of advising clients operating in the art market with a passionate interest in art and cultural history. Many in the team have first-hand experience of working within the art industry.

Our team comprises lawyers from all of the firm’s main practice areas and advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters. As well as advising on art and cultural property law issues, we can provide clients with general commercial, tax, employment, real estate and corporate advice. As an international firm, we can also provide clients with a range of local advice.

We act for a diverse range of clients including:

  • artists
  • art advisers and valuers
  • auctioneers
  • collectors
  • dealers
  • financial institutions
  • Government bodies
  • national galleries and museums
  • private galleries
  • trade associations.

We advise on an equally diverse range of matters:

  • acquisitions and disposals of art
  • agency and commission agreements
  • attribution and authenticity disputes
  • borrowing and lending against art
  • CITES regulations
  • criminal law
  • competition law 
  • corporate strategy and investment
  • export licensing
  • insurance claims
  • intellectual property
  • internet trading and distance selling
  • professional negligence disputes
  • regulatory and compliance
  • risk management
  • stolen and looted art
  • standard terms of business
  • tax and VAT
  • title disputes.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Art and Cultural Property Law - UK-wide

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
Stephenson Harwood advises on transactional matters and complex disputes, including art financing, sales and purchases, insurance claims, and litigation concerning authenticity and attribution.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The art and cultural property law team stands out for its deep expertise and practical advice. Their attention to detail and ability to handle complex issues make them trusted and reliable partners.

    Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK
  • The team has a good depth of technical knowledge and experience. It has the requisite knowledge, experience and resources.

    Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Roland Foord
    Band 1Roland Foord

    Roland Foord

    Roland Foord is a consultant at Stephenson Harwood and an experienced commercial litigator.

    • He delivers tailored, expert solutions for complex matters. His strong commercial awareness and forward-thinking vision ensure that advice is aligned with our strategic objectives and business goals.

      Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK
    • We rate him highly. He is very experienced, extremely personable and he has deep experience in the art market.

      Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK
    • Roland is absolutely brilliant and really lovely. He has an impressive depth of experience in the art world, has great contacts and he is incredibly knowledgeable.

      Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK
    • Roland Foord is truly exceptional.

      Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK
    • Roland is so well versed in art law and so knowledgeable.

      Art and Cultural Property Law respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (1)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood LLP has rankings in the following guides

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