Artists’ Estates

With the extension in copyright to 70 years after the death of an artist and the introduction of the artist's resale right, it is essential that all artists seriously consider making a Will.

This section focuses on what aspects of an artist's work need to be protected and should ensure that when you are instructing your solicitor to prepare your Will that you are have considered all of the issues.  You will in most cases own the copyright in your work, an intangible right to leave your heirs, but a potentially valuable one, as your work may appreciate in value.  In particular, these articles focus on:                   

  • Protecting and managing artists' estates
  • Handling disputes
  • Case studies
  • Making A Will
This article is from the Artlaw Archive of Henry Lydiate's columns published in Art Monthly since 1976, and may contain out of date material.
The article is for information only, and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.
Readers should consult a solicitor for legal advice on specific matters, and artists in London can get free online legal advice from Artquest