Caveat Emptor
In relation to an artwork, what is the meaning of: an original a reproduction an original reproduction a multiple original a print an original print an edition a limited edition and does it matter? Some argue that it…
Gallery education
One of the many ways that artists can earn a living is working in a gallery education programme. Gallery education programmes often run in publicly funded spaces. They are a way for the gallery to engage with their…
ArtlawTV: David Mabb on Art and Appropriation
Art and Appropriation – when does artistic freedom become copyright infringement Artist David Mabb considers works in his practice, including a run in with Magnum Photos and appropriating the work of William Morris.…
Damage to Work
Damage to work can be a real problem, particularly when it’s discovered during a show. Although artists and galleries tend to rely on insurance companies to pay for restoration costs, there have been an increasing number of…
Morals, Mores & Minors
Lewis Carroll and Edgar Degas in the 19th Century, Balthazar Klossowski (Balthus) and Robert Mapplethorpe in the 20th Century, and Tierney Gearon and Annalies Strba at the beginning of this century, each produced artworks that were…
The Momart Fire
At 3.40am on Monday May 24 2004 fire fighters received the alarm call, and the blaze at one of Momart’s warehouses lasted five days. Media coverage was extensive and worldwide, for what was a devastating single act…
One of my works was damaged while on display in a gallery.
Can the gallery deduct any money from the insurance claim as commission? As the work has been damaged while on display, the gallery has neglected their duty of…
Public art commissions and the law
An artist commission is when artist is paid to create a new piece of work. It’s important artists understand their legal rights when undertaking a commission. A commission might take the form of Commissions…
Dragon’s Dance
This is the tale of Dragon’s Dance. It is a sculpture by Liliane Lijn sited at the landscaped entrance to a new Marks & Spencer shopping centre at Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff in Wales. ‘Senor, Senor, I can see…
A Developing Global Framework
Copyright laws were created in direct response to the development of industrial technologies that enabled unique paintings and drawings to be copied and mechanically reproduced in multiple numbers. The development of engraving and multiple printing techniques…
Dear Shane
Artlaw Services Ltd in voluntary liquidation. Can this be so? You cannot believe it. You do deserve a full explanation; Shane Simpson, LLB, Barrister Director Arts Law Centre of Australia Sydney Dear Shane, Artlaw Services Ltd in voluntary…
What material (film, music, photography, literature etc) do I not need permission to use?
Copyright lasts for the whole life of the creator of the work plus 70 years, passing on their death to their estate or heirs, so a…
How much deposit would I expect to pay?
The landlord will usually ask for a rent deposit. This is a lump sum held by the landlord as security against your not paying future rent, or damage caused during your stay…
Three Short and Unrelated Matters
Three short and unrelated matters are tackled this month: Contractual Relationships, Public Lending Right and Solicitors’ Advertising. Paper Promises How many contracts have you made today? Bet you travelled on a bus, tube, train, bought…
First Year Report
On February 14, 2007, the UK Artists’ Resale Right (ARR) will have been operating for a full year, and this piece considers how well it has been implemented, principally in the UK. In September 2006 we reported…
Back to The Future
It was 20 years ago today when Peter Townsend told me he was launching a new visual arts magazine, and invited me to contribute what he hoped might become a regular column dealing with current legal…
Tax tips for artists
4 out of 5 artists are set to pay more tax than they need to each year. People in Britain overspend £7.6 billion in unnecessary tax every year. It’s a scary statistic. So how can artists…
The Rothko Wrangle
ONE A tale of an ill drawn Will and 798 paintings told in two parts. ‘Silence is so accurate’. Mark Rothko once stated in a conversation with Elaine de Kooning. A bitter irony indeed when we consider…