16th May 2025 | Arthur Byng Nelson | Art & Heritage, International, Exhibition

Sherrards is proud to spotlight a series of key developments and thought leadership from its Art & Heritage practice, underscoring its deep commitment to supporting creative excellence and cultural stewardship.

Advising Hew Locke RA OBE on Landmark British Museum Exhibition

Art & Heritage Partner Arthur Byng Nelson and Associate James Crook have had the privilege of advising celebrated Guyanese-British sculptor and contemporary visual artist Hew Locke RA OBE on the negotiation and agreement of terms with The British Museum for his highly acclaimed exhibition, What have we here?

The exhibition, which opened to the public on 17 October 2024 and ran through 9 February 2025, represents the culmination of a two-year creative collaboration. During this time, Locke engaged deeply with the British Museum’s collection and produced new, provocative works that have garnered wide critical acclaim.

Art critic Adrian Searle, writing in The Guardian, lauded the show as “part history lesson, part crime scene,” while The Standard praised it as “endlessly fascinating and illuminating.”

This milestone reflects Sherrards’ expertise in artist-museum partnerships and reinforces the firm’s reputation for advising leading cultural practitioners on complex legal frameworks in the art world.

Thought Leadership in the Art Sector

The Art & Heritage team continues to play an active role in education and industry engagement:

  • In February 2025, Arthur Byng Nelson delivered a guest lecture to students at Kingston University, exploring the evolving legal considerations surrounding Artists’ Estates—a vital area of concern for artists, their families, and trustees.
  • Looking ahead to March 2025, Sherrards is proud to sponsor a panel discussion at the Art Business Conference in Maastricht, taking place at the prestigious TEFAF art and antiques fair (14–20 March 2025). Arthur Byng Nelson will represent the UK on a panel titled “Patrimonie: Collecting in Europe,” contributing to important cross-border dialogues on cultural heritage and art market regulation.

About Sherrards Art & Heritage

The Art & Heritage practice at Sherrards brings deep sector knowledge to its work with artists, collectors, institutions, and estates. From drafting complex contracts and negotiating high-profile exhibitions to advising on estate planning and international art transactions, the team is dedicated to protecting and promoting cultural assets with sensitivity and legal precision.

 

For further information, please contact:

Arthur Byng Nelson, Partner and Head of Art & Heritage.

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