Where to peruse for prints
London is a hub for the global art world. Anchored in its world famous public galleries, there are commercial galleries dotted across the city, displaying and selling art from some of the world’s top contemporary artists.
There are also a wealth of art fairs, where you can see works ranging from top artists to newcomers. Ranging from the upmarket get-togethers for big spenders, to showcases for cutting edge lesser-established artists, art fairs can be a great way to browse a breadth of different work outside a traditional gallery setting. If you’re looking to pick up something for your home or office, they can be a good way to seek out something unique.
Increasingly, there are extra products on sale alongside the art itself too: custom merch, such as screen printed t-shirts or tote bags. At ICON, we’ve worked with many of the city’s most exciting galleries, big and small, as many in the art world create custom merch as a way to have something to offer for art lovers who might not be able to afford to buy original art pieces, or as an alternative way to promote a show, gallery or exhibition.
(For inspiration in designing your own merch, head here for our tips on t-shirt design; and head here for some tote bag design inspiration.)
Whether you’re in the market for screen-printed art t-shirts, original paintings or experimental photography, we’ve rounded up the breadth of London’s best art fairs, and when you can go and visit them.
Frieze London Fair
Contemporary art magazine Frieze hosts a four-day festival every October showcasing the work of leading contemporary artists from around the world. As well as showing the latest breakout stars in action, the festival holds a curated programme of talks, artists’ commissions and film projects,
When: 8 – 11 Oct 2020 Where: Regent’s Park Admission: £27-35
Affordable Art Fair
One of the most accessible art fairs out there, The Affordable Art Fair is a great introduction to the art fair world. With a breathtaking breadth of work on display, art novices and experts can be enraptured by the collection on display. The fair’s name can be something of a misnomer, however, with several works available for purchase for the showcase’s £6000 upper limit.
When: March and October in Battersea, November in Hampstead Where: Battersea Park and Hampstead Heath Admission: £10-12
1-54 Contemporary Art Fair
Founded in 2013, 1-54 is the first leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, featuring compelling and landmark art from the 54 African nations.
When: October 3-6 Where: Somerset House Admission: Day Ticket £25.00, Concessions £10.00
New Artist Fair
Described as the best value art fair in London, the New Artist Fair is an artist-run organisation designed to cut gallery level commission charges and sell work directly to art lovers, with prices ranging from £50 to £2000.
When: TBC Where: Old Truman Brewery Admission: Free
Free Range
Free Range graduate art fair highlights the best work from upcoming artists, photographers and designers. Staged over three floors, the enormous fair includes work from graduates of academic and creative institutions spanning from Edinburgh to Brighton.
When: Photography Week One: 18th – 22nd June, Photography Week Two: 25th – 29th June and Art Week: 2nd – 6th July Where: Truman Brewery Admission: Free
Parallax Art Fair
Despite its prestigious location, Parallax Art Fair is full of work made by international artists for a reasonable price tag. This fair is best for those who are looking to procure a piece from an artist they would not find on display elsewhere.
When: February, May, July and October Where: Chelsea Town Hall Admission: £2
London Original Print Fair
Fifty dealers work across London’s Original Print Fair, curating more classical prints through to contemporary selections. Prices range from £100 to £100,000
When: Every April Where: Royal Academy Admission: £12
Roy’s People Art Fair
Display art for the people, says the affordable alternative art fair. Created by artists Roy’s People & Samuel Peacock, this fair is set up to encourage customers to chat to the displayed artists about their work, as well as live painting from its exhibitors and creative workshops. Register now for the chance to receive a £100 goody bag.
When: 2-5 April Where: Oxo Tower Wharf Admission: Free
Talented Art Fair
Also hosted at Trumans Brewery, the Talented Art Fair is known for its artists who are on the verge of hitting the big time, with previous work from John Ball and Marcus Jake showcased at the previous exhibition.
When: Every March and September Where: Trumans Brewery Admission: Free
The Other Art Fair
In its own words, The Other Art Fair was established to bridge the gap between a London audience eager to discover the next big thing and talented artists struggling to gain recognition. This is the place to get artworks from those in the spotlight who are making their way into the main gallery system.
When: October 3-6 Where: Victoria House Admission: From £50
Looking to create custom merch to promote your art gallery or visual arts project? At ICON Printing we can deliver fast turnaround custom printed t-shirts, tote bags, and more, and count clients including Tate, Studio Xag, and north design. Get a quote in 2 minutes online.