The Affordable Art Fair Battersea Autumn 2025, held from October 15 to 19, transforms London?s leafy Battersea Park into a vibrant hub of contemporary art, welcoming everyone from seasoned collectors to first-time buyers. Showcasing over 100 galleries from 17 countries, the fair presents thousands of original artworks priced between ?50 and ?7,500, making art accessible to all budgets. Hosted at Evolution London, this 26th anniversary edition celebrates the fair?s legacy of democratizing art with a dynamic program of installations, talks, and family-friendly activities. The event?s welcoming atmosphere, set against the autumnal beauty of Battersea Park, fosters a joyful exploration of creativity. Highlights include a new installation by Beth Shapeero, curated displays for Black History Month, and a Recent Graduates exhibition spotlighting emerging UK talent. With over 15,000 visitors expected, the fair blends global perspectives with local charm, featuring works from London, Hong Kong, and Australia. Its commitment to inclusivity ensures accessibility, with tactile tours and relaxed sessions for diverse audiences. The fair?s vibrant energy, enriched by food trucks and live performances, creates an unforgettable experience. Art After Dark Lates and Family Mornings add extra sparkle, inviting all to discover the joy of collecting. This milestone edition underscores the fair?s role as a cornerstone of London?s art scene, inspiring creativity and connection.
Brief Information
- Dates: October 15?19, 2025, with a Private View on October 15 and public days from October 16?19.
- Location: Evolution London, Queenstown Road, Chelsea Bridge, London SW11 4NJ, UK.
- Theme: Celebrating 26 years of accessible art with a focus on diversity and discovery.
- Attendance: Over 15,000 visitors, from art enthusiasts to families.
- Type: International contemporary art fair featuring galleries, installations, and cultural events.
Highlights
- Beth Shapeero?s Installation: A vibrant, site-specific work by the acclaimed artist, unveiled on October 15, celebrating the fair?s 26th anniversary.
- Black History Month Display: Curated showcase ?Reimagined Representation? featuring Black artists like Carol Muthiga-Oyekunle, open daily.
- Recent Graduates Exhibition: Co-selected by Nephertiti Oboshie Schandorf, spotlighting emerging UK talents like Zoja Kalinovskis, October 16?19.
- Finds Under ?500: A curated section of affordable artworks, perfect for new collectors, available throughout the fair.
- Art After Dark Lates: Evening events with music and drinks, offering a lively art experience, October 16?17.
- Nadia Attura?s Anniversary Print: A special edition capturing Battersea Park?s botanical beauty, available for purchase.
- AI Face Swap Photobooth: A fun, interactive feature blending art and technology, open daily.
- Paintings in Hospitals Showcase: Works by artists like Anita Klein, supporting health and wellbeing, October 15?19.
Organizer
- The Affordable Art Fair, founded by Will Ramsay, is managed by a dedicated team led by Fair Director Hugo Barclay.
- Supported by lead partner JM Finn, offering wealth management insights to visitors.
- Partnerships with charities like Paintings in Hospitals enhance the fair?s community impact.
- A global network of curators and gallerists ensures a diverse, high-quality selection of artworks.
What to Attend
- Director?s Cut Tour: Hugo Barclay?s guided tour of must-see galleries and artists, October 16.
- Family Mornings: Interactive art workshops for kids, fostering creativity, October 1 ?19.
- Black History Month Talk: A panel discussion on representation in art, featuring guest curators, October 17.
- Recent Graduates Showcase: Discover emerging talents like Aastha Patel?s photography, daily.
- Art After Dark Lates: Evening sessions with live music and pop-up bars, October 16?17.
- Colour Theory Workshop: An interactive session exploring color in art, October 1 .
- Charity Exhibition: Paintings in Hospitals? display of works by Chloe Cheese, supporting healthcare settings.
Ticket Information
- General admission is ?14, with concessions at ?12 and weekend Family Mornings at ?20, available at aafbattersea.seetickets.com.
- Private View tickets cost ?30 for exclusive access on October 15, with limited availability.
- Art After Dark Lates tickets are ?1 , offering evening access with entertainment.
- Use code R-ARTRABBIT for a ?5 discount on tickets, valid until September 1, 2025.
Getting There
Battersea Park, nestled in London?s vibrant southwest, is easily accessible for Affordable Art Fair 2025, blending urban convenience with scenic charm. Fly into London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW), both under an hour from Battersea via train or taxi, with Heathrow Express to Paddington or Gatwick Express to Victoria. From Victoria, take the Southern or Thameslink train to Battersea Park station, a 10-minute walk through the park to Evolution London. Queenstown Road station, served by South Western Railway from Waterloo or Richmond, is a 15-minute stroll away. Buses 44, 137, 156, 344, and 452 connect from central London, with a free shuttle from Sloane Square tube station during peak hours. Driving via Chelsea Bridge offers limited parking at the venue, with four Pay & Display car parks in Battersea Park. Cycle parking is available near Evolution London, though bikes are left at visitors? risk. London?s Underground (Northern Line to Battersea Power Station) provides a scenic 20-minute walk across the Thames. Taxis and Uber are plentiful, especially during Art After Dark Lates. International visitors can connect through major European hubs like Paris or Amsterdam to London City Airport (LCY), a 40-minute journey. The venue is fully accessible, with ramps and tactile tours for inclusivity. Book accommodations early in nearby Chelsea or Clapham for proximity, and pack layers for London?s crisp autumn weather.
History
The Affordable Art Fair, launched in October 1999 by Will Ramsay in Battersea Park, revolutionized the art world by making collecting accessible to all. The inaugural fair at Battersea, its flagship venue, attracted 10,000 visitors, showcasing works priced from ?50, a bold departure from elitist art markets. By 2002, the fair expanded to Bristol and New York, growing its global footprint while maintaining its inclusive ethos. The Battersea Autumn edition, now a cornerstone of London?s art calendar, has hosted over 100 galleries annually since the mid-2000s. In 2011, the fair introduced its Recent Graduates exhibition, spotlighting emerging UK artists and cementing its role in nurturing talent. The 2020s saw adaptations like online marketplaces and hybrid formats, ensuring resilience during global challenges. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, the fair reflected on its history with a timeline display and special commissions. Partnerships with charities like Paintings in Hospitals, launched in 2015, have enriched its community impact. Despite economic shifts, the fair?s commitment to affordability and diversity has driven consistent sales, with artworks ranging from ?50 to ?7,500. The 2025 Autumn edition continues this legacy, blending established and debut galleries from 17 countries, making it a global celebration of accessible art.
Mission
The Affordable Art Fair Battersea Autumn 2025 is dedicated to democratizing art, making collecting joyful, accessible, and inclusive for all. It aims to showcase diverse, high-quality contemporary artworks priced from ?50 to ?7,500, ensuring something for every taste and budget. By curating over 100 galleries, the fair fosters connections between artists, galleries, and collectors, breaking down barriers in the art world. It champions emerging talent through initiatives like the Recent Graduates exhibition, nurturing the next generation of creatives. The mission emphasizes inclusivity, offering tactile tours and family-friendly activities to welcome diverse audiences. Partnerships with charities like Paintings in Hospitals reflect a commitment to art?s role in health and wellbeing. The fair celebrates cultural diversity, with curated displays like Black History Month spotlighting underrepresented voices. Its vibrant, unpretentious atmosphere invites everyone to discover the joy of collecting, fostering a lifelong love of art.
Tips for Visitors
- Book tickets early at aafbattersea.seetickets.com to secure discounts and Private View access.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the expansive Evolution London venue and nearby park.
- Visit the Finds Under ?500 section for budget-friendly pieces perfect for new collectors.
- Download the ArtRabbit app for real-time schedules and fair highlights.
- Attend Family Mornings for kid-friendly workshops, ideal for young art lovers.
- Arrive early for guided tours to gain insights from Fair Director Hugo Barclay.
- Enjoy food trucks like Street Dough for pizza or Moroccan dishes during breaks.
- Check out the Black History Month display for thought-provoking contemporary works.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while browsing galleries.
- Connect with gallerists for tips on starting or expanding your art collection.
