Arthur Tompkins (New Zealand judge)
Arthur Tompkins is a District Court Judge in New Zealand, based in Porirua, near Wellington. He is known for his expertise in art crime, particularly art forgery and theft, and has published and lectured extensively on the subject. Judge Tompkins holds a PhD in Art History from Victoria University of Wellington.
Beyond his judicial duties, Tompkins serves as an adjunct professor at Victoria University, lecturing on art crime. He is a member of the International Association of Art Crime Investigators (IACAI). His publications include articles and book chapters on various aspects of art crime, covering topics such as the legal and ethical dimensions of art collecting, the psychology of art forgers, and the challenges of recovering stolen artwork. He has also spoken at international conferences and symposia on art crime.
Tompkins' work has contributed to raising awareness of art crime within New Zealand and internationally. His expertise is sought by law enforcement agencies, museums, and other institutions involved in the art world. He is considered a leading authority on art crime in New Zealand and a respected voice internationally within the field.