This Autumn, London is a haven for art creatives, collectors and enthusiasts. Here are the must-see art shows and events to add to your calendars.
Whether you have a penchant for paintings or you’re curious about ceramics, London plays host to a wealth of noteworthy art shows and events this Autumn. From contemporary art shows like PAD London, where the leading Parisian architect, Charles Zana is set to make his debut, to the independent StART Fair and the phenomenal Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park, there are lots to sink your teeth into over the coming weeks. Here are London House’s top picks…
Decorex (9 - 12 October 2022)
As Europe’s leading interior design show, Decorex is one of the big hitters in the Autumn art show calendar. Established in 1978, the four-day event champions the best high-quality design products, whilst hosting an inspirational Design Talks programme for unique ideas and insights.
Speakers at the event’s 44th edition this October include designer, architectural historian and paint expert, Edward Bulmer and the award-winning interior designer, Alidad Mahloudji. After discovering unique tips and perspectives and exploring the many bespoke design products on exhibition, you can connect with fellow art enthusiasts at The Decorex Bar and VIP Lounge.
PAD London (10 - 16 October 2022)
Hosted annually in London and Paris, PAD is the only UK fair solely dedicated to 20th Century design, making it a must-visit for contemporary art enthusiasts. After two years of online-only events, the prestigious fair returns to Berkeley Square, Mayfair this year to showcase the very best of modern art, ceramics, jewellery, glass and photography.
This year’s event places a special focus on innovative sustainable design techniques from Europe, Asia and North America, with both emerging artists and established names exhibiting in the event’s boutique setting. Key highlights include a new furniture line from leading Parisian architect, Charles Zana and original wearable art pieces by Italian artist, Giuseppe Penone.
Frieze London and Frieze Masters (12 - 16 October 2022)
Frieze is one of the world’s most influential art fairs with the brand launching its first event in London’s Regent Park in 2003. This year, the event spotlights 280 galleries from 42 countries, as well as a noteworthy programme of talks and special projects including Love Lucian: The letters and early life of Lucian Freud and a talk by Korean-Canadian visual artist, Zadie Xa.
Both Frieze London and its sister fair, Frieze Masters attract curators, arts, collectors, gallerists and critics from all over the world, with the former focusing on contemporary art and the latter celebrating works from across six millennia of history. Connecting the two events is Frieze Sculpture, an outdoor exhibition of artworks located in Regent Park’s English Gardens.
StART Fair (12 - 16 October 2022)
Held at the Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea each year since it was founded in 2014, StART Fair is an independent annual art fair that spotlights both established arts and galleries from around the world as well as works from lesser-known artistic communities.
This year, particular highlights on the event programme include a 20th Century immersive punk experience titled “In 1977 I want to go to heaven” by London-based artist, Illuminati Neon (also known as Mark Sloper), a specially curated section dedicated to the works of Korean contemporary artists and the inaugural Martin Miller’s Gin Emerging Art Prize, which this year invites entrants to submit an artwork responding to the theme of transformation.
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea (20 - 23 October 2022)
Often referred to in London as Battersea Art Fair, the Affordable Art Fair is a worldwide phenomenon with events hosted in 10 cities around the world including London, New York, Amsterdam, Hamburg and Hong Kong. This Autumn, the bi-annual London event returns to its original site of Battersea Park, with thousands of affordable, original artworks on display.
Showcasing works from both household names and emerging artists, the Affordable Art Fair covers paintings, sculptures, photography and prints with prices ranging from just £50 to £7,500. As well as art exhibits and performances, the event plays host to innovative talks, hands-on workshops, live music, kids’ activities and a choice of bars and restaurants.