Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a new collector, this summer promises a stellar line-up of the best London art fairs. Maybe you’re in the market for a David Hockney self-portrait or a late 19th century kilim. Or perhaps you’re looking for an exceptional piece of 1950s furniture or to pick up a photographic print by one of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists. Whatever your taste, expect a dazzling array of artists, galleries, displays and arts programmes at the capital’s leading art fairs.
The Best London Art Fairs To Visit
British Art Fair
Saatchi Gallery
26 - 29 September
As summer segues into autumn, the great and the good of the art world descend on the Saatchi Gallery to celebrate the very best of Modern British Art. All the top dealers from London and across the UK will be there, showcasing their latest collections across the spacious, light-flooded King’s Road gallery. Expect t0 see paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures by the greatest names of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as David Hockney, Bridget Riley, Sandra Blow, Frank Auerbach to Paul Nash, Barbara Hepworth, Grayson Perry and Banksy, to name a few.
As well as providing an opportunity to purchase these pieces – some never seen before – the galleries are also on hand to talk about the artists, their work and give specialist advice on collecting. Don’t miss Solo Contemporary, curated by Zavier Ellis, on the top floor, showcasing some of the most cutting-edge contemporary galleries and artists. With an additional programme of curated events, this is one fair not to miss.
Photo London
Somerset House
16 - 19 May
Described as “the UK photography event of the year”, Photo London returns to the historic courtyard of Somerset House for its ninth edition. 2024 promises over 100 exhibitors from 44 cities around the world, showcasing the very best historic and vintage works, as well as photos by the icons and cutting-edge imagery, from the world’s leading dealers and galleries. A number will be presenting solo shows, especially ones honouring contemporary female photographers.
Alongside the established names and some of the finest examples of the median, the fair’s Discovery section, curated by Charlotte Jansen, spotlights new talent as well as emerging galleries. There’s also a vibrant Public Programme with three major exhibitions including a display by 2024 Master of Photography recipient Valérie Belin. In addition, Belmond is curating a photographic space with their iconic destinations captured by acclaimed artists, and there’ll be a packed programme of talks, curated by Thames & Hudson, as well as a series of awards.
London Craft Week
London-wide
13 - 19 May
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the week-long festival, which takes place across the capital and celebrates over 750 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. There’s a curated – and packed – programme of events, all with one thing in common: to shine a light on the world’s most beautiful objects and the inspiration and creative process behind them.
Those taking part include department stores, museums and galleries, and leading fashion houses, alongside independent creatives, heritage craftspeople, hidden workshops and smaller shops. You’ll be able to marvel at skills including leather working, silversmithing, calligraphy, ceramics, furniture-making, weaving and so the list continues. Little wonder that in 2023 nearly a quarter of a million visitors enjoyed the event – no doubt, as it celebrates a decade, this year’s London Craft Week will be even more spectacular.
Eye of the Collector
The Garrison Chapel, Chelsea Barracks
26 - 29 June
Eye of the Collector is fast becoming one of the most exciting London art fairs. The boutique fair – and accompanying online platform – showcases collectible artworks from leading galleries in a curated dialogue with their architectural surroundings. For this, the fourth edition, the fair takes place in the 1859 Grade II-listed Romanesque-Byzantine style Garrison Chapel at the Chelsea Barracks – a five-minute walk from Sloane Square.
While the exhibitors have not yet been revealed, if previous years are anything to go by, you can expect established artists hanging alongside lesser-known contemporaries. Galleries exhibiting included Arusha Gallery, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, Whitford Fine Art and Dellasposa. In addition to the in-person fair, the online viewing rooms are immersive, with works presented as if they are hanging in an imaginary collector’s home.
The Treasure House Fair
Royal Hospital Chelsea
26 June - 2 July
This is the second edition of The Treasure House Fair, which returns to SW3 in June, continuing the tradition of having an annual art show at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The multidisciplinary event – founded by Thomas Woodham-Smith and Harry Van der Hoorn, the duo behind Masterpiece – promises to be one of the best London art fairs to visit this summer, with 70 leading art and antiques galleries from around the world.
All the big-name dealers will be here (Richard Green, Godson & Coles, Osborne Samuel…) who will be joined by the likes of S.J.Shrubsole, the New York jewellery and antique silver specialist, and interiors and furniture designer Rose Uniacke, who will be unveiling her latest antique and vintage finds. Plus, there’ll be ceramics, glass, metalworks, Asian art, Old Masters, and so much more in what promises to be a dazzling display from antiquity to the modern day. There is an Oyster & Champagne Bar, of course, with an outdoor space overlooking the Hospital, the perfect spot for a chilled glass of Laurent Perrier and cultured chit chat.
The Decorative Fair
Evolution London, Battersea Park
7 - 12 May
The Decorative Fair isn’t just on the radar of interior designers, it is a leading London art fair and a must-visit for anyone interested in antiques, fine and decorative art and 20th century design. Over 130 specialist exhibitors will descend on Battersea Park for the Spring edition in May (there is also a fair in Autumn and Winter), which comes with a particular focus on the outdoors, with statuary, garden objets, furniture and urns on display.
This year there is also a new fair-within-a-fair, with The House Directory located on the mezzanine level of Evolution London. Here you’ll be able to see a hand-picked collection of established and emerging home suppliers and services, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and bespoke – and there’ll be panel talks and workshops during the week. On the ground floor there’s every manner of dealer selling fine, formal and country English and European antiques, collectors’ curios, tribal art, glassware and ceramics, jewellery, vintage watches and couture design, fine and decorative rugs and carpets. The restaurant provides all-day sustenance for collectors, exhibitors and visitors, and there’s courtesy transport between Sloane Square and the (dog-friendly) fair.
