Artists should use written contracts as often as needed, whether it is for the sale or commissioning of their work, or for the exchange of skills and services.
The articles in this section focus on the relationship between galleries and agents, and artists.
Don’t You Trust Me?
Artists and dealers rarely if ever discuss in public their professional business relationships. Much praise, therefore, is due to London-based artist Alvaro Barrington and his gallery dealer Sadie Col… Continue Reading Don’t You Trust Me?
Secondary Sales Risks
Caveat emptor is usually translated as ‘let the buyer beware’. Its common use in law and business connotes a doctrine that still operates today, especially in the increasingly lucrative market for sec… Continue Reading Secondary Sales Risks
Dealing Differently
In 1976 this column looked at the case of a London-based artist who sent work to a New York gallery for exhibition and sale in the US: the works were sold and the gallery sent the artist a cheque whic… Continue Reading Dealing Differently
Doing a Deal: Part 1
Selling work is the primary source of income for most commercially successful artists, and is the strongest aspiration of most of those for whom a market place is not established. It is no surprise th… Continue Reading Doing a Deal: Part 1
Ballad of a Widening Wedge
Just because an agreement is in writing, freely signed by the parties, does not necessarily mean its words alone will bind them at law, in whole, in part, or at all. THE FIRST CASE Conservation Manage… Continue Reading Ballad of a Widening Wedge
Consignment: Trust
The term commonly used to describe the contractual relationship between artists supplying their works to galleries for exhibition and possible sale is ‘consignment’. In business and legal terms, consi… Continue Reading Consignment: Trust
Tracing Work
Listen to me baby Wherever you may be I’m beggin’ over the radio Please come back to me – I’ve got a mind To move on down the line. * Many artists and galleries find great difficulty in tracing work w… Continue Reading Tracing Work
Gallery Agreements
Artists – grateful for the offer of a ‘gallery deal’ – are understandably reluctant to request the use of a written agreement during negotiations, since this might jeopardise their chances. In this co… Continue Reading Gallery Agreements
Contracts with Galleries
Artists leave works with galleries under the most flimsy and informal arrangements. Rarely are written agreements used to tell both sides where they stand, and as a result serious problems can and do… Continue Reading Contracts with Galleries
Doing a Deal: Part 2
Last month’s column explored the basics of UK contract law and good practices for artists and galleries conducting negotiations with a view to arriving at a gallery deal. This month we look in more de… Continue Reading Doing a Deal: Part 2
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