Ashton Hawkins

William Ashton Hawkins (May 11, 1937 – March 27, 2022) was an American lawyer and museum board member. He served on the boards of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Dia Art Foundation. He helped develop the field of art law.

Early life and education William Ashton Hawkins was born in Manhattan and was raised in Syosset, Long Island. His father, Ashton William Hawkins, was an investment broker. His mother, Kyra ( Schutt) Hawkins, was born in Russia. She fled the country during the communist revolution. He helped arrange for the construction of the wing to house the Temple of Dendur.

Hawkins retired from full-time work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2001. He then went on to focus on art law. He advocated for stronger protections for art worldwide, particularly in the Middle East after the 2003 American invasion of Iraq.

Personal life In 1996, Hawkins met Johnnie Moore, an actor and producer. They were married in 2013.

According to his husband, Hawkins died from complications of Alzheimer's disease on March 27, 2022, at an assisted living facility in White Plains, New York.