The modern and contemporary art market in London opens the year with a fair that brings galleries and buyers under one roof. London Art Fair 2026 takes place from 21 to 25 January at the Business Design Center and presents a mix of gallery stands, talks and performances across its public days.
What to expect at the 2026 edition
The fair showcases modern works alongside contemporary practice and sections devoted to antiquities. Galleries listed for the event include Osborne Samuel, James Freeman Gallery, Wizard Gallery, Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery, Portland Gallery and Redfern Gallery. Program elements include panel talks and live performances integrated with the exhibition halls.
Founded in 1989, the fair retains a profile that pairs established names with younger dealers. Institutional and private collectors use the dates to review new acquisitions and to compare offerings from UK and international galleries, with works by artists such as Henry Moore, David Hockney, Bridget Riley and Paula Rego represented historically in the fair’s programme.
Practical information for planning
The venue is the Business Design Center. Dates run from 21 to 25 January. Purchase tickets and schedule meetings in advance if you plan to meet galleries. Prepare a compact digital dossier with high resolution images and condition notes for any works you present or seek to acquire.
Galleries and visitor profile
Expect a mix of galleries focused on 20th century British art, contemporary painting and sculpture, and dealers specialising in prints and works on paper. Attendees typically include private collectors, institutional buyers, curators and gallery directors. Preselecting targets by specialism will make onsite prospecting more efficient.
Preparing a B2B approach at the fair
- Build a shortlist of 8 to 12 galleries with specific reasons to meet each one.
- Request meetings by email with two time options and attach a link to your image portfolio.
- Provide clear pricing indications and transaction terms to speed decisions during the fair.
- In discussions, focus on available inventory and the gallery’s sales or consignment conditions.
- Follow up within 48 to 72 hours with tailored materials and a next step proposal.
Conversation priorities for buyers and professionals
Clarify provenance and condition documentation for candidates you might purchase. For institutional acquisitions, allow extra time to secure approvals and budget allocations before committing funds.
Final note and link
Arrive with a concise dossier and an agenda of meetings to convert attention into concrete offers during the fair. For tickets, exhibitor lists and programme details consult the official site at https://www.londonartfair.co.uk and finalize arrangements before 21 January.
