Farrer & Co‘s practice is well-placed to assist its broad-ranging clientele with the full scope of art issues. Its workload includes acting as finance counsel in domestic and cross-jurisdictional contexts, advising on the contractual and security documentation aspects of significant sales and assisting clients through acquisitions. William Charrington has extensive experience handling high-value contentious matters, such as commercial contract disputes, fraud and IP litigation, for clients ranging from high-net-worth individuals to corporates and institutions. Isabel Kerber is experienced in handling import, export, taxation and heritage matters, while Paul Jones has a specialism in contract and IP-related work and advises national museums, galleries and cultural organisations. Bethan Waters is also noteworthy for her ’invaluable’ experience in financing cases, including securing loans against art portfolios, and advising on art loans and complex debt arrangements. The four oversee the team collectively. Adrian Parkhouse is a key practitioner who handles the plethora of art and heritage disputes. Genna Morgan has a transactional specialism.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Extremely thorough and detail-oriented with a wide team with varying specialities within the parameters of art law.’
‘Very pleased to work with Genna Morgan, Isabel Kerber and Paul Jones.’
‘The team has extensive experience in a highly specialised area. You get a lot of partner attention, but the team also has a deep bench of talented and experienced associates to draw on.'
'Co-led by Bethan Waters, we found that her team is highly intelligent, responsive and commercial. We trust them a lot.’
‘Bethan Waters is a safe and reliable pair of hands. We go to Bethan because we know we will get good quality commercial advice from a highly responsive team. Bethan and her team are great under pressure and never miss a deadline.’
‘This team has a strong depth and breadth of knowledge in the sector and provides excellent advice and service at all times.’
Key clients
- Selling agent of Sir Ernest Shackleton
- Selling agent of The Ashmolean Museum
- The National Gallery
- The National Portrait Gallery
- The British Museum
- Elanus Holdings Limited
Work highlights
Advising on the acquisition by the Ashmolean Museum of a rare 15th century work by Fra Angelico and the sale of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s polar medal.
Acting for Elanus Holdings Limited, owned by a UHNW family foundation, in the dispute over the right to purchase the Idol’s Eye diamond on loan to the claimants.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
William Charrington; Isabel Kerber; Paul Jones; Bethan Waters
Other key lawyers
Genna Morgan; Adrian Parkhouse; Will Cudmore; Jennifer Abey-Reid