The Art Fair - Way back when, in 1996, Will Ramsay opened Will’s Art Warehouse in southwest London to bridge the increasing interest in contemporary art and the London gallery scene. By concentrating on relatively unknown artists not carrying a premium for reputation, the gallery was able to offer works from £50 – £2,500 from a stable of over 150 artists. The response Will received to his Art Warehouse inspired him to take his approach to the next level, and 3 years later the Affordable Art Fair was born. Embracing other friendly galleries selling affordable art, the first fair launched in Battersea Park in October 1999. 10,000 visitors took advantage of the ease of buying, breadth of choice, affordable prices and user-friendly approach.
I was in London over the weekend for various art events, on Saturday morning I visited the Battersea Affordable Art Fair for the first time! It was very reminiscent of when I used to help out at the Scottish fairs when I was younger, sadly the Glasgow Art Fair is no longer. Rows and rows of white cubicles crammed with sculpture, paintings and works of art. Hundreds of gallery assistants and sales people jumping out from behind their computer screen if you showed any sign of interest.
I saw artists like Mhairi McGregor that I am used to seeing, Billy Childish and many more. It is really worth a visit and would highly recommend it. The variety of works on show would cater to anyone's needs and tastes. Prices ranged from £50 to £5,000 so it was hardly Bond Street prices!
No comments:
Post a Comment