What Is London Art Fair? A guide for 2026 visitors
London Art Fair returns in January 2026 as one of the clearest markers that London’s cultural year has officially begun. It’s a fair that’s long been known for doing things thoughtfully – bringing together respected galleries, emerging voices, and serious collectors, while still feeling open and approachable for anyone with an interest in contemporary art.
Rather than trying to overwhelm, London Art Fair offers a well-edited view of what’s happening in modern and contemporary art right now. For visitors, that means time to look properly, ask questions, and discover work that feels relevant and current, whether you’re buying, browsing, or simply curious about where the art world is heading next.
Essential information about London Art Fair 2026
The first edition of the Fair was in 1989, and over the years it has grown into a cornerstone of the international art calendar, regularly showcasing hundreds of galleries and attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
In 2026, the London Art Fair opens at the Business Design Centre – a historic exhibition venue in North London – and typically runs daily throughout the event dates with talks, gallery stands, curated spaces and special programmes.
Dates: Wednesday, January 21 – Sunday, January 25, 2026
Location: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH
Ticket types:
General Admission: Starts from £27.00
- Includes options for Day Passes, Wednesday Late tickets, or Preview Evening tickets.
- Valid for one entry to the Fair only.
Premier Pass: £54.00
- Provides the complete experience with access to the Preview Evening, Wednesday Late, and all other days.
- Includes re-entry to the Fair throughout the week.
Culture Club Membership (New for 2026): £150.00
- An annual membership that grants unlimited entry to the Fair.
- Includes year-round benefits such as exclusive access to curator-led tours at top UK art institutions.
Group Bookings: Starts from £18.00 per person
- Requires a minimum booking of £180.00 (for groups of 10 or more).
- Two adults may attend for free with a group of 10.
Galleries and exhibitors in London Art Fair 2026
One of the defining features of London Art Fair is the quality and breadth of its gallery line-up. In 2026, the fair brings together over 120 galleries from the UK and around the world, creating a carefully balanced mix of established names and newer, forward-thinking spaces.
Across the stands, visitors can expect to see paintings, sculpture, photography, prints, and installations, with presentations that often feel more considered than at larger international fairs. The work on show spans 20th-century modern masters through to emerging contemporary artists, making the fair particularly strong for comparison and discovery.
Below are some notable exhibitors, each contributing a distinct perspective to the fair.
1. Gillian Jason Gallery
- Address: 19 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 8AZ
Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 1714
Website: https://www.gillianjason.com/
Section: Platform
Stand number: P5
Gillian Jason Gallery occupies a unique position in the UK art landscape as the first commercial gallery dedicated exclusively to championing art by women. With a 40-year history of exhibiting pioneering artists, the gallery works with female-identifying artists across generations, foregrounding work that responds to urgent cultural and social shifts.
At London Art Fair 2026, the gallery presents work by Emily Ponsonby, including Eriskay Lilt (2025), continuing its commitment to research-led, conceptually engaged contemporary practice. GJG’s stand is a strong reference point for collectors interested in work beyond the traditional white male canon, grounded in long-term artist relationships and cultural awareness.
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2. A Modest Show
- Stand number: G32
Section: Galleries
Phone: 07790 902603
Website: https://www.amodestshow.com/
Location: London
A Modest Show is driven by a collector’s eye and a deep commitment to craftsmanship. Rather than representing a large roster, the gallery works closely with a small number of artists, focusing on mastery of skill, material understanding, and the discipline of making.
Exhibiting regularly in the UK and across European art fairs, A Modest Show’s presentation at London Art Fair reflects its long-term, relationship-led approach. The stand appeals to collectors who value authenticity, process, and artists with a clear, sustained practice.
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3. Art Movement
- Address: 163A St Johns Hill, London SW11 1TQ
- Stand number: G14
Section: Galleries
Phone: 07973 692494
Website: http://www.art-movement.com
Established in 1995, Art Movement combines a traditional gallery model with a bespoke art consultancy service. The gallery represents a stable of eight core artists and exhibits regularly at international art fairs in London, New York, Miami, and Palm Beach.
At London Art Fair 2026, Art Movement brings its expertise in placing art “in situ,” advising collectors on works that suit both space and budget. The stand reflects the gallery’s full-service approach, from sourcing and framing to professional installation, making it particularly appealing to first-time buyers and experienced collectors alike.
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4. David Messum Fine Art
- Address: 12 Bury Street, St James’s, London SW1Y 6AB
- Stand number: 34
Section: Galleries
Phone: +44 (0)20 7287 4448
Website: http://messums.com
Founded in 1963, David Messum Fine Art is a cornerstone of the British art market, known for its scholarly approach to traditional and contemporary British painting. From its St James’s base, the gallery continues to build on decades of research-led exhibitions and artist advocacy.
At London Art Fair 2026, the gallery presents works by artists including Rose Hilton, John Miller, Nancy Delouis, Dominic Welch, and Nicolas Moreton, spanning the 20th century to the present day. The stand offers museum-quality work and appeals to collectors with an interest in British art history and painterly excellence.
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5. Janet Rady Fine Art
- Address: Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom
Stand number: E21
Section: Encounters - Phone: +44 7957 284370
Website: https://janetradyfineart.com/
Founded in 2007, Janet Rady Fine Art is known for its strong curatorial focus on emerging and under-represented artists, with particular emphasis on artists from the Global South and female artists. Operating between London and the United Arab Emirates, the gallery combines monthly curated online exhibitions with in-person shows at Somerset House, creating a programme that is both international in outlook and grounded in rigorous research.
At London Art Fair 2026, the gallery exhibits work by Pantea Mahrou, including pieces such as Amlash JaAN (2022), Lucky Temple (2024), and Amlash Rise (2025). Led by Gallery Director and Curator Janet Rady — a specialist in contemporary art from the Middle East and Africa with over 35 years’ experience — the stand reflects a deep commitment to cultural context, long-term artist development, and thoughtful engagement with global contemporary practice.
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How to best plan your visit to London Art Fair 2026?
A visit to London Art Fair 2026 is best approached with a bit of structure — and that’s where Fitzrovia Quarter comes in. Located just south of the fair, Fitzrovia offers a practical base for planning your day, especially if you want to balance focused time at the Business Design Centre with good food and space to decompress.
Many visitors choose to start in Fitzrovia with an early lunch or coffee before travelling up to Islington, then return afterwards for a more considered meal or informal meetings. The area is particularly well suited to collectors, curators, and industry professionals, with a high concentration of independent restaurants, quieter cafés for conversations.. Planning your visit around Fitzrovia Quarter today!