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October is the busiest month of London’s art calendar as the art-world glitterati descends onto the capital for what has become known as ‘Frieze Week’. Here, we explore some of this autumn’s must-see art fairs in London.

Galerie Perrotin Frieze London 2017

Frieze London, 4th-7th October

Every October, Regent’s Park is transformed by the arrival of Frieze London, which pushes the parameters of the art fair model. Attracting an international audience made up of art dealers, collectors, students and art lovers, all wanting to see what’s next in contemporary art, Frieze London offers a wide-range in addition to the gallery stands, from an insightful talks programme and specially commissioned projects, to a sculpture park and an annual artist award. Whether you’re buying or simply window shopping, Frieze London always promises an exciting, engaging and Instagramable experience.

Regent’s Park, London, UK. Ticketed entry.

David Zwirner at Frieze London 2017

Frieze Masters, 4th-7th October

Now in its 7th year, Frieze Masters offers some respite from its big sister across the park. Presenting over 120 galleries, Frieze Masters puts a contemporary twist on art from antiquity to late 20th century. From an Egyptian mummy mask and Renaissance manuscripts to museum-quality curated stands and a solo presentation of Auguste Rodin sculptures, Frieze Masters continues to inspire an appreciation of the classical an historical.

Regent’s Park, London, UK Ticketed entry.

Frieze Masters 2016

1-54 Contemporary Art Fair, 4th-7th October

Featuring specialist galleries from over 15 countries, 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair returns to Somerset House for its fifth edition with an impressive line-up of emerging and established African artists. This year Ibrahim El-Salahi will create a sculptural project in Somerset House’s courtyard, while South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga will get his first solo presentation in the UK. Alongside the strong gallery presentations, the collateral programme also offers unique insight into this burgeoning art market.

Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA Ticketed entry.

1:54 London 2016

PAD, 1st-7th October

Returning to Berkeley Square for its 12th edition, PAD focuses on where art, design, the decorative, and interiors meet. Here, you will find the most fashionable and cutting-edge furniture designers and interiors specialists from over 60 exhibitors, offering everything from modern art and photography to tribal arts and homeware. Whether you dream of owning a Charlotte Perriand lamp from Chandigarh, India or just want to get some interior design tips, PAD is a must for the design novice and connoisseur alike.

Berkeley Square, London, UK Ticketed entry.

PAD. Pierre Passebon / Galerie du Passage France Best Stand Winner 2015. Courtesy PAD

SUNDAY Art Fair, 4th-7th October

SUNDAY Art Fair prides itself on supporting the emerging art scene, playing host to a new generation of international galleries and exhibitors. Just a short walk from Frieze in the University of Westminster’s subterranean space, the Sunday Art Fair might be relatively small but its perfectly considered. Showcasing solo presentations and curated projects from over 20 galleries from around the world including Bucharest, Prague and Catania, this fair is not to be missed, especially as the only free entry fair.

Ambika P3, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, London, UK Free.

The Other Art Fair, 4th-7th October

If you’ve always wanted to meet an artist, then The Other Art Fair is for you, as it gets rid of the middleman and allows you to buy directly from 130 up-and-coming artists. Celebrating its 16th edition, this year’s fair promises to be as unique and unexpected as ever.

The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, UK Ticketed entry.

Gavin Turk at The Other Art Fair

Moniker Art Fair, 4th-7th October

Running concurrently with The Other Art Fair in the Old Truman Brewery, the Moniker Art Fair showcases a plethora of talent emerging from urban culture. Think street art, start-ups and illustrators all presented in an immersive environment under one roof. Having tripled in size this year, there will be 100 artists from six continents presented at galleries including Graffik Gallery, Jealous and Curious Duke. Providing a much-needed platform for independent and innovative makers, Moniker Art Fair organise a dynamic events programme that includes Street Art tours, a limited edition print give-away by Mr Frivolous as well as commissioning four artists, Dulk, Telmo Miel, whatisadam and Ben Slow to create new public murals in the local area.

The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, UK Ticketed entry.

Courtesy Moniker Art Fair and Curious Duke Gallery

Affordable Art Fair Battersea, 18th-21st October

An art lover’s favourite, the Affordable Art Fair was started by Will Ramsay to make contemporary art accessible for the ordinary person looking to invest in art. Today the fair has expanded to over 10 international locations including Singapore, Brussels and Milan as well as running twice a year in London. Here, the most you will pay for an artwork is £5000, with prices starting at under under £500 – pocket change compared to works at Frieze – proving that art doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be enjoyed.

Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London, UK Ticketed entry.

Courtesy Affordable Art Fair

Want to see more art in London? Here are the best free exhibitions to see during Frieze Week.

About the author

Born in the heart of London, Freire's been surrounded by art since childhood. From being mesmerised by Fra Angelico's frescos in Florence to experiencing Dali­'s Mae West room in Caduceus, Freire's extensive travels instilled a love of the arts. After studying painting she worked for David Bowie's, Bowieart and began to write for the BBC, Bon and Dazed &amp Confused. She curated the Converse x Dazed Emerging Artists Award and was one of the first cohort to graduate from the Royal College of Art's Critical Writing in Art &amp Design MA. When not at an art opening, she's excited to bring her global art discoveries to the Culture Trip's readers.

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