I don’t know if it’s something to do with having a home that is still fairly bare in the wall department (or empty in the frame department), or just generally because I have a love for art and colour, but I’ve been really excited to get tickets to some of this year’s contemporary Art Fairs in London.
One that I’ve been to for probably the last three years or so is the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park. But this year I’m branching out even further! As I was researching for myself anyway, I thought I’d share some of London’s most popular upcoming Art Fairs of 2018, so you can pop them in your diary!
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Park, 8-11 March 2018
I feel like I talk about this one a lot, but I can’t emphasise enough what a fun day out this is. I bumped into an old colleague of mine there once (who was many rungs above me on the career ladder!). He sweetly asked if I had made any purchases, obviously oblivious to my wage packet at the time. But I do so aspire to one day buy my own piece of original art, and the choice at the Affordable Art Fair is fabulous.
I genuinely believe this makes a great day out, whether you’re looking to purchase art or just peruse it. There’s always a good variety of styles, and a welcoming prosecco bar in the middle – bliss!
The Other Art Fair, Victoria House, 22-25 March 2018
I came across this one recently via a Habitat email; as the official partner of The Other Art Fair, Habitat were offering customers the chance to nab one of 300 pairs of tickets for free! It’s first come first served, so check out their blog here to see if you can secure some in time. I’m excited to go later this month.
According to their website, The Other Art Fair, which is presented by Saatachi Art, gives you the opportunity to discover and buy art direct from 120 of the best emerging and undiscovered artists, who have been handpicked by a committee of art industry experts – let’s hope they know a thing or two! It’s a bi-annual event, and offers fun immersive art installations, interactive theatre performances, art tours led by Saatchi Art curators, live music from Soho Radio DJs, plus good food and a bar – bingo!
London Original Print Fair, Royal Academy of Arts, 3-6 May 2018
You know those times when you wonder where you’ve been all these years? Well, the London Original Print Fair is apparently London’s longest-running art fair. This year is the 33rd edition, and it’s held at the RA. I only needed to glance at the fair’s Instagram page to know that it’s for me. You can visit the fair to get your hands on a rare old master, or snap up contemporary prints that have only just launched.
Affordable Art Fair, Hampstead Heath, 11-14 May 2018
Don’t worry, it’s not deja vu! If you can’t make the Affordable Art Fair at Battersea in March, try and head to the Affordable Art Fair at Hampstead Heath in May. I’ve not been to this one (yet), but it promises thousands of original, contemporary artworks from UK and international galleries. Sweet!
Urban Art Fair, Brixton, 14-15 July 2018
I’ve not been to this one but it looks pretty cool. Now celebrating it’s 17th year, this South London avenue will be transformed once more it into a bustling open-air Urban Art Fair in July. See if over 120 exhibitors can tempt you to make any purchases! If you get hangry, never fear, because there will be lots of food stalls available to keep hunger at bay, with money raised going towards local good causes.
Frieze London Art Fair, Regent’s Park, 4-7 October 2018
The famous annual Frieze London Art Fair features more than 160 of the world’s leading galleries. You can view and buy art from over 1,000 leading artists, and experience the fair’s popular Frieze Talks programmes featuring keynote speakers, as well as live performance and participation works.
And that’s a wrap! I’ve no doubt that I’ve missed some here, so do let me know in the comments box below if you know of any other 2018 Art Fairs that are not to be missed.
Shelley Makes 