The London Original Print Fair, celebrating 40 years, is the UK’s longest-running art fair. It has evolved significantly since its founding in 1985, now featuring over 40 exhibitors. The fair runs until March 23 at Somerset House, showcasing an anniversary exhibition with works from legendary artists. Major galleries highlight the importance of prints in today’s art market, drawing interest from younger collectors.
The London Original Print Fair (LOPF) celebrates its 40th anniversary this March, making it the UK’s longest-running art fair. Established in 1985, it has grown from 16 exhibitors to Europe’s largest fair focused on works on paper, with over 40 exhibitors and an online selling platform. The fair’s success is attributed to its dedicated organisers.
Helen Rosslyn, LOPF co-founder, reflects on the fair’s history: “We have not missed a year since 1985, which has definitely involved some ducking and diving along the way.” The pandemic posed significant challenges, leading to an online fair just six weeks before the scheduled event.
Taking place at Somerset House until March 23, this year’s fair features notable exhibitors such as White Cube Editions, Hauser & Wirth Editions, and Tate. To mark the anniversary, it showcases an exhibition titled “Prints from Private Collections: 40 Years of Print Collecting,” highlighting works from renowned artists like Picasso and Warhol.
Rosslyn emphasises that the fair continues to be a gathering point for print dealers to showcase their collections. After 34 years at the Royal Academy, the fair has expanded its space at Somerset House, enriching the experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.
Hauser & Wirth’s participation includes significant works such as a silkscreen print by Rashid Johnson. Director Anders Bergstrom praises LOPF’s reputation: “It’s incredible to see what Helen Rosslyn, Gordon Cooke, and Alice St Clair have achieved over the past four decades.” St Clair, who is also LOPF’s assistant director, values the confidence shown by major galleries in their involvement.
White Cube senior director Honey Laurd expresses pride in participating: “The fair is expertly steered by Rosslyn, St Clair, and Gorden Cooke.” Major galleries have recently increased their print operations, influenced by the rise of online sales during the pandemic. Despite a slowdown in the broader art market, prints continue to attract a younger audience, as shown in recent surveys.
St Clair is eager to see works by artists like Oisin Byrne and Peter Blake, who has created a print specifically for LOPF at age 92. New exhibitors such as Tin Man Art will showcase unique collaborations, enhancing the fair’s diversity and appeal for collectors.
The London Original Print Fair marks a significant milestone in the art world by celebrating 40 successful years. Its evolution into Europe’s largest print fair showcases the resilience and growth of the print medium, with continued engagement from major galleries and a rising interest from younger collectors. The anniversary fair promises to highlight both historical and contemporary artworks, reflecting the enduring appeal of prints.
Original Source: www.artnews.com