Henry Lydiate HRSA is an art lawyer, educator, published writer and journalist. He has had a lifelong commitment to the visual arts and the support of creative arts practitioners and cultural organisations both here in the UK and internationally. Since 1978 he has contributed to the influential Artlaw section of Art Monthly.
Since being called to the English Bar, Henry has specialised in legal and business issues relating to international art. He is the founding partner of The Henry Lydiate Partnership, a business consultancy that helps artists with projects in all areas of creative and cultural practice. His partnership has over 30 years of experience in working with artists to resolve their legal issues, help in project planning, development and execution, developing their business models, negotiating and managing commissions, exhibitions, performances and events, negotiating with agents, dealers and cultural organisations; dealing with art galleries, museums and collectors; intellectual property rights awareness and management and mediating to resolve creative arts business disputes.
His previous clients have included; The Scottish Arts Council, Art Monthly, Art Quest, Arts Council England, Arts Council Wales, BBC Radio, BBC Television, The Boyle Family, The British Council, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Eduardo Paolozzi, Richard Demarco, Paul Neagu, Henry Moore, John Hoyland, The Institute of Contemporary Arts, Mayor of London (Fourth Plinth), The Royal College of Art, Sotheby’s, The Tate, Turner Contemporary, Whitechapel Gallery. The Design and Artists Copyright Society.
Henry has also been a visiting tutor in professional practice studies at leading UK art schools since 1978. He was former Visiting Professor in Art Law, University of the Arts London. His current educational portfolio includes designing and delivering international legal and business modules for Sotheby’s Institute of Art London, and Southwestern University Law School Los Angeles where he is Adjunct Professor in International Art Law.
His publications include: The Visual Artist and the Law, The Visual Artist’s Copyright Handbook, Visual Arts and Crafts Guide to New Laws of Copyright and Moral Rights, The Creative Act Revisited: New Ways of Working – New Challenges, Posthumous Legal and Ethical Issues.
Through his role as an arts lawyer, he has contributed immeasurably to the understanding and also the development of art law in the UK.
