Greater China Legal History Seminar Series“Collectors and Collections of Chinese Art and Antiquities: Problems with Gifts, Trusts and Legacies” by Prof. Steven Gallagher

This seminar discusses the issues in forming and passing on collections, in particular of Chinese art and antiquities. The seminar will consider the problems that collectors face with regard to authenticity, provenance and title in acquiring art and antiquities for their collection. The seminar will then discuss the issues that arise when a collection has been formed- should the collector keep it, sell it, destroy it or pass it on? The seminar explores the issues that may arise for donees of collections of art and antiquities, particularly to public institutions, museums and galleries. These may be offered important works and collections subject to restrictions they may eventually wish to avoid or even find repugnant and possibly illegal. The seminar considers the law which may affect collecting and disposing of collections, and some well-known and less well known cases involving fakes, theft, looting, trafficking, family disputes, disreputable dealers, collectors, donors, auctioneers, academics, museum founders, museum officials, and deluded collectors.

About the Speaker:
Prof. Steven Gallagher is Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning). Prof. Gallagher has taught equity and trusts, land law, company law, insolvency law and cultural heritage law. His research interests include cultural heritage, legal history and equity. He is currently researching issues in cultural heritage law in Asia.

The Law Society of Hong Kong has awarded this seminar 1.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.