In Search of Art in Battersea
*This is a guest post*
Ever considered buying a painting, print or watercolour from an art fair? If the answer is “no”, and the reason is because you thought it was too expensive, think again. This October, the Affordable Art Fair is coming to Battersea and it’s packed to the rafters with art to suit every preference and pocket.
The Art Fair runs from 25th to 28th October and exists to prove that original art is both accessible and attainable. With art on show from 120 galleries, visitors can enjoy and buy pieces across a huge range – paintings, sculpture, photography, prints and more – all with a ceiling price of £4,000. Every piece of artwork is labelled too which means potential buyers always know what they can afford.
The ambience is unstuffy and educational. When the festival started back in 1999 it was designed to bridge the gap between relatively unknown artists and London’s established gallery scene, and as well as keeping the artwork affordable, it also opened the door to less ‘arty’ types who perhaps just want an attractive print to hang over the mantelpiece. At every festival there are plenty of events going on besides, including an emerging artist exhibition featuring the work of recent graduates, an educational programme featuring a series of free and informative events, hands-on workshops and a number of talks.
If you’ve got the little ones in tow the festival usually lays on a crèche, and of course there is plenty to see and do in and around Battersea once you’ve had your fill of contemporary art. For those visiting the Art Fair it’s well worth extending your stay to visit the many other famous attractions in the area, and there are plenty of hotels in Battersea to suit varying budgets that will put you right in the thick of the action.
Of course, there’s the world famous Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. But unless you’re looking to leave London with a new fluffy member of the family, you’re better off heading for Battersea Zoo to get close to the animals. Open all year round, this friendly zoo is perfect for children and is home to such cute ‘n cuddly animals as meerkats, ring-tailed lemurs and pygmy goats, as well as pigs, Shetland ponies and monkeys.
If you fancy combining a diverse few days in London with the chance to bring home some stunning and original pieces of art, don’t miss the chance to experience all that the Battersea Art Festival has to offer. It’s fun, informative, and it certainly won’t break the bank.
