Four Major Art Fairs Start In London For October

By Silvia Baretta Last edited 114 months ago
Four Major Art Fairs Start In London For October

During the third week of October, London will see the opening of four major art fairs across the city. Expect much more than just artworks for collectors and serious art buyers.

1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair takes place at Somerset House

Frieze Art Fair

Venue: Regent’s Park, main entrance is off Park Square West (nearest tubes: Baker Street, Regent's Park, Great Portland Street)
Dates: Wednesday 15-Saturday 18 October
Ticket Price: £33 adults and £24 concessions for a daily pass. Combined ticket for Frieze London and Frieze Masters is £50.
Highlights: Well, Frieze is Frieze. More than an art fair, it's a major arts event. Frieze is known as the place for the world’s biggest galleries to showcase the artists who will be the next modern art superstars. In addition to the main one, Frieze Masters is where galleries selling classical art display their contemporary counterparts alongside.
Is it for me? We think you should give it a try even if you are not a keen art buyer, both for the authority of the fair and its international flavour. Although, as this is not a cheap event, you might want to try one of the other options.

1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair

Venue: Somerset House — West Wing and East Wing Galleries (nearest tube: Temple)
Dates: Thursday 16-Sunday 19 October
Ticket Price: £12 adults and £5 concessions for a daily pass. £27 adults and £17 concessions for multy-entry pass. Tickets must be prebooked online, a booking fee will be added to the ticket price.
Highlights: The fair focuses on art from the African continent, showcasing more than 100 artists and 27 galleries. This celebration of African creativity features a rich programme of talks, panels and lectures — included in the ticket price. Two of the speakers appearing are Elvira Dyangani Ose, Curator of International Art at Tate Modern, and Saatchi Gallery exhibitor Ibrahim Mahama.
Is it for me? The fair defines itself as a properly commercial art fair but this could be a good chance to explore a fast-growing art market and a different artistic culture.

The Other Art Fair takes place at The Old Truman Brewery. Details below

The Other Art Fair

Venue: The Old Truman Brewery (nearest tube: Liverpool Street, Old Street or Shoreditch Overground)
Dates: Thursday 16-Sunday 19 October
Ticket Price: £8 adults and £4 concessions. Tickets can be bought both in advance or on the door (Londonist readers get 50% off tickets to The Other Art Fair, just use the code LONDONIST at checkout).
Highlights: All the participating artists are not represented by galleries, which means two things: you can talk to them directly and you might pick up a bargain. Also, there will be plenty of art-related activities including live art and music performances, curators' talks and children's workshops.
Is it for me? This art fair definitely aims to be open to everyone and the entry ticket is cheaper than most other art fairs. So definitely yes, it could be one for you, especially with that discount.

Affordable Art Fair

Venue: Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park (nearest tube: Victoria, Sloane Square)
Dates: Thursday 23-Sunday 26 October
Ticket Price: £10 adults and £8 concessions. Prebooking suggested, as prices are higher if you buy on the door
Highlights: This is an international contemporary art fair that aims to get people started as art collectors, with prices ranging from £100 to £5,000. The programme includes talks, hands-on workshops and free children’s activities.
Is it for me? Yes: the fair aims to sell more affordable art (as the title states) and offers a wide programme of activities for at a reasonable price.

For more exhibitions to see in London this month, check out our September art events listing.
Find more about what's on in London, visit Londonist's Museum & Galleries & Art & Photography pages.

Last Updated 29 September 2014