Withers LLP has ‘one of the preeminent art teams for the big cases’. The ’extremely able’ Sarah Barker heads the department, and the ‘talented’ team is skilled at advising on fine art sales and purchases, as well as art and heritage-related tax issues. Other areas of focus include advising on charity law relating to museums and art foundations, as well as art-related money laundering. The team also excels in handling complex matters with an international dimension. Eleni Polycarpoui is recommended for her work on stolen art cases, restitution cases, title disputes, authenticity disputes and consignment disputes. Key clients of the practice include artists, museums, art galleries, and private collectors.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has broad knowledge and experience in art law and related subjects. Sarah Barker and her colleagues are extremely attentive, responsive and experienced.’
- 'Eleni Polycarpou gets great results. She understands the art world and knows what works and what doesn’t when dealing with people from the art world.’
‘Sarah Barker is quite possibly the lead partner on transactional and advisory art law in London having had her specialist firm bought out by Withers. She is also extremely able.'
'Eleni Polycarpou is a fabulously strategic litigator, managing this very complicated multi-jurisdictional litigation with all the conflicts and problems that brings, heading a team of many, many lawyers.'
‘Eleni Polycarpou is on top of her game, aware of every detail in this complex piece of litigation, which is rare at this level. Very quick on her feet and very astute strategically, with an exceptional eye to find a commercial solution for the client.'
‘Sarah Barker is very approachable, highly attentive and extremely knowledgeable. Assisted by Natalie Sherborn, she returns calls in good time, garners information and provides advice clearly, efficiently and where possible without delay.’
‘Eleni Polycarpou was extremely professional and took charge of the case as expected and required.’
‘A top-rate practice with a huge knowledge of the market and the key institutions and players. Eleni Polycarpou is brilliant. She really knows the market and how it operates.’
Key clients
- Vortic
- Hope 93
- Castle Howard
- Tate
- Victoria Miro
- National Gallery of Scotland
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sarah Barker
Other key lawyers
Eleni Polycarpou; Natalie Sherborn