The London Art Fair (LAF)
London
- United Kingdom
- London
-
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH
About & Heritage
The London Art Fair (LAF) was founded in 1989 by London’s Business Design Centre in Islington, which remains its historic and iconic home today. Launching initially with just 36 UK galleries, the fair has grown steadily into a major global arts fixture, hosting well over 100 leading galleries and welcoming upwards of 25,000 visitors annually. Taking place every January, it effectively launches the global cultural and art market calendar each year. The fair’s mission is to provide an established home for exceptional Modern British Art while simultaneously embracing a highly international and contemporary outlook.
LAF nurtures collecting at all levels—from accessibly priced prints and editions to major works by internationally renowned figures like David Hockney, Henry Moore, and Andy Warhol. Beyond its commercial success, the fair is deeply committed to discovery and education, offering critically acclaimed curated sections such as Encounters (highlighting next-generation talent and experimental mediums), Platform, and an annual Museum Partner showcase. The fair has a storied legacy of spotting early talent, famously awarding “rising star” accolades to artists like Chris Ofili and Jenny Saville at its 1996 edition. Today, it remains a vital gathering point for seasoned collectors, emerging artists, and cultural enthusiasts.
The London Art Fair (LAF) Opening Overview
The London Art Fair is an annual, multi-day event held every January. Pre-booked tickets are required. The event operates with an exclusive VIP Preview on Tuesday, followed by a public opening from Wednesday to Sunday. Last entry is typically 30 minutes before the fair closes for the day.
Weekly Hours
Monday: Closed / Exhibitor Setup
Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (VIP Preview by invitation only) / 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Preview Evening)
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Features Wednesday Late View from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Special Closures & Private Visit Policy
(The London Art Fair is a pop-up exposition that operates exclusively during its scheduled dates in January. The venue is closed to the art fair during the rest of the year).
Open to Public (Ticketed access on general days), Invitation Only (VIP Preview on Tuesday afternoons), Members Only (Specific collector tours and London Art Fair Culture Club events).
Legacy & Iconic Highlights
Chris Ofili (Artist) (Awarded the ‘rising star’ accolade at the 1996 edition)
Jenny Saville (Artist) (Awarded the ‘rising star’ accolade at the 1996 edition)
David Hockney (Artist) (Major prints and original works consistently featured)
Henry Moore (Sculptor) (Iconic Modern British bronze sculptures regularly exhibited)
Tracey Emin (Artist) (Renowned works showcased by top participating galleries)
Andy Warhol (Artist) (Pop art prints and editions featured by international dealers)
Bridget Riley (Artist) (Op Art masterpieces highly sought after by collectors)
Paula Rego (Artist) (Prominent narrative and figurative works featured)
Gillian Ayres (Artist) (Major abstract pieces displayed by British galleries)
William Scott (Artist) (Modern British masterpieces frequently presented)
Mary Fedden (Artist) (Beloved British painter’s works routinely showcased)
Lynn Chadwick (Sculptor) (Mid-century Modern British sculpture highlights)
Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (Artist) (Abstract St Ives School highlights)
St Ives School (Art Movement) (A historic and prominent collecting category at the fair)
Business Design Centre (Architecture) (Hosted in the Grade II-listed former Royal Agricultural Hall)
Encounters Sector (Curated Space) (Platforming the next generation of artists and unexpected mediums)
Platform Sector (Curated Space) (Guest-curated exhibitions examining specific contemporary themes)
Photo50 (Curated Exhibition) (The fair’s critically acclaimed annual showcase of contemporary photography)
Willoughby Gerrish / Gerrish Fine Art (Gallery) (Prominent main fair exhibitor of Modern & Contemporary pieces)
David Messum (Gallery) (Noted cornerstone exhibitor specializing in British Art)
Jenna Burlingham (Gallery) (Renowned champion of Modern British and contemporary works)
The TAGLI (Gallery) (Key contemporary gallery within the main lineup)
Wizard Gallery (Gallery) (Bringing an international contemporary art presence)
Freya Mitton (Gallery) (Leading dealer of 20th Century British Art)
Annual Museum Partner (Collaboration) (Yearly pavilion showcasing important regional UK museum collections)
- RSS feed
Live Updates: The London Art Fair (LAF)
- London-based artist holds Malaysia as home, an anchor of memory and return - The Star
- Gordon VeneKlasen Launches Namesake Gallery’s First Show Following Michael Werner Split - ocula.com
- A new year kicks off - islingtontribune.co.uk
- London Art Fair 2026: The Artists and Galleries That Stood Out - FAD Magazine
- Paul’s Fairs: London Art Fair 2026 - FAD Magazine
Venue Type
International Art Fairs & Expositions, Premium Art Gallery, Cultural Art Center
Social Presence
Venue ID : 45097
Last Update : August 22, 2026
- Note: These details are curated for preliminary guidance. As schedules and seasonal programming at prestigious institutions are subject to change, we recommend visiting the venue’s official portal for the most current information and private arrangements.
- If you notice any discrepancies, require structural updates to an artist profile, wish to submit a recommendation, or would like to share your official portfolio document and visual artwork samples, please do not hesitate to reach out. We welcome submissions from artists, representatives, and estates alike.
- Contact Us
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