Clarissa Levi
- Art & Heritage Counsel
- Art & Luxury Law
Protecting national treasures: our role in preserving cultural heritage
Cultural objects and heritage property are vital touchstones of our shared history — they carry the stories, creativity and identity of past generations into the present, and present into the future. At Wedlake Bell, we are proud to champion the protection of national heritage, ensuring these irreplaceable objects and places are preserved, respected and accessible to us all.
Clarissa Levi, Wedlake Bell’s Art & Heritage Counsel, and Richard Harwood KC of 39 Essex Chambers present a podcast focusing on cultural heritage issues. Each episode offers expert insight into the legal, cultural, and economic forces that safeguard our heritage for future generations.
Three podcasts have now been released focusing on preserving cultural objects.
Export of Works of Art
Pippa Shirley joins Richard and Clarissa to discuss the UK’s export controls for cultural objects. How does the Reviewing Committee for the Export of Works of Art operate? Who was Viscount Waverley, and are the 1952 Waverley Criteria still fit for purpose? We talk about how export stops work, how to ensure the process is fair, and why outstanding aesthetic importance isn’t just about beauty.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JF8vOaHk6BBBR9AOGs2Bg?si=22ca9a3640b94ce7
Paying tax with art
What is Acceptance in Lieu (AiL), and how does the AiL Scheme operate? Clarissa and Richard are joined by AiL Panel Chair Michael Clarke, and Arts Council’s Director, Cultural Property Sarah Posey. We discuss the benefits and hurdles of AiL, how it works best, and we dispel a misconception or two about the Scheme.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GnTaYGOE2OVojzKEQBNBH?si=eTabTSMcRb6Sz6PGu01euw
The Cultural Gifts Scheme (CGS)
Richard and Clarissa speak to Michael Clarke, Chair of the Acceptance in Lieu Panel, and Sarah Posey, Director of Cultural Property for Arts Council England, about the Cultural Gifts Scheme – why we have it, how it works, and the effect it has. They discuss their favourite CGS gifts so far and possible changes ahead.
Listen here: The Cultural Gifts Scheme – Art and Heritage Law: Contested Heritage | Podcast on Spotify
Wedlake Bell’s Art & Heritage team combines deep legal knowledge with a passion for cultural preservation, helping clients protect, manage and pass on heritage assets for generations to come. Whether advising on tax reliefs, ownership structures or development of heritage property, we ensure that the stories behind our heritage continue to thrive. Read more about our art & heritage expertise.
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a comprehensive statement of the law. Specific legal advice should always be sought in relation to individual circumstances.
Meet the team: