Affordable Art Fair Autumn 2008
Buying art on a budget is easy with our advice and 2-for-1 ticket offer for London's Affordable Art Fair in October.
Bored of credit crunch chat? Looking for ways to indulge your lifestyle but still not feel too guilty about the amount you spend? The Affordable Art Fair (AAF), which returns to Battersea Park, London with its Autumn Collection from 23rd to 26th October 2008, could be the answer.
2-for-1 Ticket Offer For 50connect Readers
Receive two-for-one entry on presentation of this page at the door (normal price £12).
You can print this page and take it with you to the Affordable Art Fair to admit a guest free when you buy one ticket.
Following three record-breaking fairs, 110 galleries will exhibit a fresh collection of paintings, sculpture, photography and original prints, all priced between £50 and £3,000.
AAF is the perfect place to snap up the real deal on a small budget and regularly sells affordable work by high profile artists, such as legendary pop artists Sir Peter Blake and Bridget Riley and Young British Artists Tracey Emin and Sam Taylor-Wood. Most of us think the cash required to get a slice of the action is out of our reach, but that’s where we’re wrong.
The Fair also has a history of featuring up-and coming artists on the brink of worldwide success. Among those to have experienced AAF's winning formula as both an artist and buyer is urban art exponent Guy Denning, whose works were available for under £3,000 at AAF in March whilst selling for £12,000 at auction.
View Our Virtual Gallery
You can see some examples of work that will be at the Affordable Art Fair here.
Guys says, "The Affordable Art Fair is an important arena for new and relatively unknown artists to bring their name and work to a broad audience. I still regret not buying an oil painting by Antony Micallef that was available at AAF a few years ago; a painting whose value has multiplied ten times over since!"
Another affordable way to get your hands on artwork is through the Recent Graduates' exhibition, curated annually by AAF at the Autumn Collection. AAF has a keen eye when it comes to spotting the 'next big thing'.
For example, the day after AAF approached Christine Aerfeldt at her graduate show with an offer of participating in the 2007 Recent Graduates' exhibition, some of her work was snapped up by art patron Charles Saatchi; a sure sign that her career is destined for success and of the investment potential for anyone who bought her artworks at last year's Fair.
How To Buy Art On A Budget
Gossip
Keep your ear close to the ground to know what’s making waves at the top end of the art market because there is usually a trickle-down effect.
Painting Or Print?
Keep your eyes peeled for original prints by established artists, a more affordable alternative to their paintings. Available at this year's Autumn Collection are: £2,000 drawings by A.R. Penck, whose paintings have fetched up to £250,000 at auction; work by John Hoyland, whose abstract paintings are part of the Tate Collection; prints by Sam Taylor-Wood and Tracey Emin.
Graduates
Look out for the Recent Graduate exhibition at the October AAF, including: Tim Phillips, David Borrington, Louise Chang, Betsy Dadd and Tina Gibbard.
Fall In Love
Above all art is subjective and it needs to stir a love and lust in you. When buying art, nothing is more important than falling head over heels for your favourite piece. If it indulges your luxury lifestyle then so much the better.
How To Buy Art For Your Home
Pia Munden, mydeco.com’s interior design expert who has headed up design for the Llewelyn-Bowen companies on the design and product sides has these art-buying tips when shopping at the upcoming Affordable Art Fair:
Scale
Think big. Large canvases have a commanding presence in equally generous rooms or even small living areas, but if space is at a premium, let the art be the focus and don’t obstruct it with other paintings and patterns.
Less could be more. Small works can have a loud voice if given a dedicated wall. Over-framing is a current key look and gives a picture extra muscle.
Positioning
All in the positioning. Think of it in terms of pattern so group items with a link - be it size, subject or colour. A series of black and white photographs hung in a line above a bed or along an architectural detail like panelling will pack a big style punch.
Messing it up. The messy look can be done to great effect in a hallway, or downstairs loo, with floor to ceiling pictures.
Lean back. For a laid-back and flexible look lean paintings on a mantel or shelf. A line of propped paintings, prints or photos in different sizes will make a great team. They won’t ruin your walls and can be changed at your whim - ideal for the indecisive or decorators who like to change with the seasons.
The Frame
Framed. A frame can help root a picture to an interior and has a dramatic impact on the artwork. A clear perspex box can transform a classic life drawing into something strikingly contemporary. Frame, mount, proportions - there’s lots to consider so ask your framer for advice and look in magazines to glean inspiration.
Buying
Who are you? Find out about the artist - where they train, their influences and what inspires them. This can speak volumes about the picture and give it a much more personal feel. But the main thing is to buy art you love as it will be in your home bringing you joy for years to come.
Visitor Information
Website: www.affordableartfair.com
Information: 020 8246 4848
Dates & Times
- Wednesday 22nd October Private View 5.30pm - 9.30pm
- Thursday 23rd October 11am - 5.30pm, Drinks Reception 5.30pm - 9.30pm
- Friday 24th October 11am - 6pm
- Saturday 25th October 11am - 6pm
- Sunday 26th October 11am - 6pm
Ticket Prices
- Advance booking £10, concessions £8
- On the door £12, concessions £10
- Private View £25
- Drinks Reception £20
- Children under 16 free, and there is also a free crèche
Ticket hotline: 0870 777 2255
Transport
By public transport:
- Train from Victoria train station to Battersea Park or Waterloo to Queenstown Road
- Bus no 44, 137, 156, 344, 452
- Free shuttle bus courtesy of Renault from Sloane Square every 15 minutes
By car: Limited free parking, via Chelsea Bridge entrance only, other pay and display parking available in Battersea Park and surrounding streets
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