London Art Fairs Not To Be Missed This Autumn
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Want to see more art in London? Here are the best free exhibitions to see during Frieze Week.