The London Art Fair in Islington is the largest and most prestigious contemporary art show in Britain and ranks alongside the best art fairs in Europe. The event, now in its 15th year, features over one hundred leading galleries from throughout the UK and represents a unique and accessible overview of the British art market. Exhibitors are rigorously selected by an independent advisory panel of prominent world characters - a committee of key gallerists - to ensure the quality of works on display. Whilst representing all aspects of contemporary art, the Fair's special focus has always been on emerging artists and innovative galleries, reflecting London's unique reputation as a hot bed for new talent.
The continuing status of the UK and London as a dynamic art center for new artists is reflected in this Britain's largest and most important art fair. From the most established and collectable names to younger, emerging artists, London Art Fair has, over the past 15 years, come to represent a unique overview of the current British art scene.
From the last century the Fair encompasses Modern British artists such as L.S. Lowry, Ben Nicholson and William Scott through to Terry Frost and Henry Moore. Contemporary work bridges Peter Blake, Bridget Riley and Anish Kapoor to Gavin Turk, Damien Hirst and Rachel Whiteread.
In order to maximize the freedom to experiment, a unique artists? Art Project has been subsidized, which is the first experimental attempt for art fairs of this magnitude. The Art Project has been designed as an area where galleries can go beyond the traditional format of an art fair stand. As a result, many have decided to dispense with the more conventional layouts - gone are the desks with catalogues and cards and gone is the need to show as many gallery artists as possible ? and in their place have come video booths, installations and unusual, irregular hangs.
Art Project presents a combination of new galleries, new artists from established galleries and well-known artists who are working in a new, experimental way, as the idea was to establish a dialogue between traditional and experimental ways of making and promoting art. The selection shows that, while the materials may have changed and the range of influences has become more eclectic, contemporary artists are still deeply inspired by the art of the past and eager to try to build upon its achievements. Furthermore, their work is founded on a dedication, skill and seriousness of intent that any Old Master would instantly recognize.
Like in most similar big-scale art fairs the vast selection of works on display includes paintings, sculpture, photography, works on paper and ceramics. They range in price from ?300 to over ?100,000. The fair combines elegance and connoisseurship with an informal, accessible ambience.
Being one of the major art fairs, the London Art Fair attracts a large and affluent audience of enthusiastic art buyers, keen art lovers and key art world personalities. For everyone from corporate collectors to discerning first time buyers, the London Art Fair is a pivotal event in the art calendar.