Art lover looking for things to do in London? We’re sure you’re already well aware of the art fair phenomenon, but we’re here to share the best that 2024 has to offer, from world class decorative fairs to art showcases. Whether you’re looking to browse or kick of your own art collection, here are the best London art shows in 2024 to note down in your diary.
Best London Art Shows & Fairs 2024
The Decorative Fair
Each year, the Decorative Fair sees a whole host of dealers gathering to showcase one-off antiques and works of art from a range of different periods. Visitors will find dealers in jewellery and vintage watches, colourful glass, textiles, collectible folk art and much more. For this year’s spring edition, gardens are the focus, with a selection of seating, statuary and planters to explore – from garden benches to rustic wooden pieces and even antique garden gates. Plus, there’s an interiors mini-fair organised by The House Directory. There are three fairs throughout the year, so there’s ample opportunity to visit and find your next marvel. Country & Town House is delighted to be the media partner for this Spring’s event.
Details: There are three Fairs a year: Spring (7–12 May), Autumn (1–6 October), and Winter (21-26 Jan 2025). All will take place at Evolution London (Battersea Park Chelsea Gate, London SW11 4NJ). Tickets are £20 per person on the first day, then £10 per person on the remaining days, or entry is always free after 4pm. decorativefair.com
Garrison Chapel at Chelsea Barracks
Eye Of The Collector
After three successful years, Eye of the Collector will return for a fourth edition in 2024 in a shiny new location: Garrison Chapel, a 1859 Grade II listed deconsecrated chapel, creating a unique setting for four days of arty action. Founded by Nazy Vassegh, this boutique art fair is unique in its curated presentation of art and collectible design, situated in dialogue with beautiful architectural surroundings. Participating galleries will be revealed later in the year.
Details: 26–29 June 2024 at Garrison Chapel (Chelsea Barracks, London SW1W 8BG). eyeofthecollector.com
Affordable Art Fair Battersea. Photo by Shaun James Cox
Affordable Art Fair
On an autumn day in October 1999, 10,000 art lovers descended upon Battersea Park to browse thousands of paintings, sculptures and prints in a friendly environment. It was the first ever Affordable Art Fair – which has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon, hosting events in 14 cities around the world, from London to New York, Hong Kong to Amsterdam, Stockholm to Sydney. It’ll return to London for three instalments again in 2024: two in Battersea and one in Hampstead Heath. With over 100 leading galleries presenting the best in contemporary art from across the globe, you’re sure to find your perfect piece. Plus, there are curated edits of works under £1,000 and under £500 for any budding collectors, and opportunities to discover exciting emerging talent from the UK’s top graduate artists.
Details: Affordable Art Fair hosts three London art shows throughout the year, with two shows in Battersea Park in Spring (6–10 March 2024) and Autumn (16–20 October 2024) at Evolution London (Queenstown Rd, Chelsea Brg, London SW11 4NJ). The third show takes place in Hampstead Heath in spring (8–12 May 2024; Lower Fairground Site, Hampstead Heath, London NW3 1TH). Tickets from £10 per person. Find out more and book at affordableartfair.com
London Craft Week
Year after year, London Craft Week shines a light on some of the most exciting makers through a programme of talks, workshops, experiences, pop-ups and exhibitions. The festival will return to capital in May with a jam-packed programme of hundreds of events. Creative Freedom was the 2022 theme, with highlights including a group exhibition on contemporary jewellery using ancient techniques at Sotheby’s, and a Maker’s Market at The Royal Exchange. The 2023 festival also featured the first-ever Country Pavilions, presenting work by makers from countries including Malaysia and Norway. It will return next May, with the line-up yet to be announced.
Details: 13–19 May 2024 across London. londoncraftweek.com
A Guide To London Craft Week 2024
Gagosian, Frieze Masters 2017
Frieze London
When it comes to London art shows, none are quite as renowned as Frieze, the catalyst that kicked off the Frieze art empire (along with sister culture magazine) back in 1991. In 2003, the brand ran its first show in London’s Regent’s Park, with bonus editions subsequently launching in New York and Los Angeles. Three connected fairs will return to Regent’s Park this autumn: Frieze Sculpture, Frieze London and Frieze Masters. Frieze London focuses on contemporary art – from both emerging and well-established artists – while Frieze Masters spans thousands of years of art history, from the ancient era to the late 20th century. Almost 300 galleries from all over the world take part, alongside a programme of talks and special projects covering the big issues in the art world of today.
Details: 9–13 October 2024 at The Regent’s Park, London. frieze.com
Decorex
Returning to Olympia London for its 46th edition later this year, Decorex is Europe’s leading interior design show, reuniting the industry’s best and brightest annually. Events offer designers and suppliers the chance to connect with both new and familiar brands, plus learn about future trends in the industry through inspiring talks.
Details: 6–9 October 2024 at Olympia London (Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX). decorex.com
Yinka Ilori by Andrew Meredith
London Design Festival
The London Design Festival will return to the capital this autumn for its 22nd edition, complete with an eclectic mix of events, special exhibitions and installations. Expect vivid colour and groundbreaking projects exhibited across the capital, showcasing the best in experimental design. Stay tuned for further details.
Details: 14–22 September 2024 across London. londondesignfestival.com
LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair
The Berkeley Square Fair will return this autumn, one of two annual design events in Berkeley Square (the other being PAD; see below). Expect over 100 exhibitors presenting works from across contemporary and fine art, antiques, design and decorative arts, with prices ranging from £500 to £500,000, ideal for first-time and established collectors alike.
Details: 22–27 October 2024 at Berkeley Square (London W1J 5AS). lapadalondon.com
Courtesy of PAD London
PAD London
The prestigious PAD art fair was founded in 1997 in Paris by Patrick Perrin, with the first London edition running 10 years later in Hanover Square. Now set in Mayfair’s Berkeley Square, PAD London is is a firm favourite on the art fairs scene, gathering more than 60 leading galleries across Contemporary Design, Twentieth Century Design and Collectible Jewellery. Galleries travel from countries across Europe, North America and Asia to exhibit here and inspire collectors, art consultants, museum experts and interior designers – but if you don’t fall into any of these categories, it’s also just a lovely place to browse.
Details: 8–13 October 2024 at Berkeley Square (London W1J 5AS). padesignart.com
Ben Mosley, The Queen 70, 2021
StART Art Fair
Since it was founded in 2014, StART Fair has been spotlighting the work of lesser-known artistic communities. For ten years, it was held at the Saatchi Gallery, but it will begin its second decade with a move to King’s Cross for autumn 2024. Despite the new location, visitors can still expect the space to be filled with a mix of curated projects, gallery presentations and independent artistic exhibitors.
Details: 9–14 October 2024 at Camden Town Hall (5 Judd St, London WC1H 9JE). startartfair.com
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair
Europe’s largest art fair dedicated entirely to collectable print works, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair will return this autumn in London’s historic Royal Arsenal. Emerging ‘ones to watch’ sit next to international names in a unique model of 50 percent specialist galleries and 50 percent curated hang selected by a panel of industry experts. The ‘Patrons of Print’ program offers unique opportunities to go behind the scenes with exhibiting galleries, artists, and museum partners, with not-to-be-missed ‘first look’ access, opening parties and events.
Details: 21–24 November 2024 at Woolwich Works (The Fireworks Factory, No.1 Street, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, London SE18 6HD). woolwichprintfair.com
London Art Fair
This annual modern and contemporary art fair returns to Islington’s Business Design Centre every January. Connecting over 120 galleries from around the world with both seasoned and aspiring collectors, the fair encourages discovery and provides an established home for Modern British Art while embracing the increasingly international and contemporary scene.
Details: The London Art Fair took place from 17–21 January 2024 at the Business Design Centre (52 Upper St, London N1 0QH). Stay tuned for 2025 details. londonartfair.co.uk
Collect
The leading art fair for contemporary craft and design, Collect takes over Somerset House every March. Expect almost 40 specialist galleries showcasing the exception art of over 400 artists from across the globe, and hear from leading experts in contemporary craft, art and design across a three day programme.
Details: Collect took place from 1–3 March 2024 at Somerset House (Strand, London WC2R 1LA). Stay tuned for 2025 details. craftscouncil.org.uk
Gisella Stapleton
The Other Art Fair
Presented by Saatchi Art, The Other Art Fair returns to The Truman Brewery on Brick Lane every Spring, shining a light on affordable works and independent artists. It’s a place where art is reframed and reconsidered, and makes for a experiential browse for collectors and humble art appreciators alike.
Details: The Other Art Fair took place from 7–10 March 2024 at The Truman Brewery (91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QR). Stay tuned for 2025 details. theotherartfair.com
