The Affordable Art Fair Battersea Spring 2026, taking place from March 11 to 15, transforms London?s picturesque Battersea Park into a vibrant hub of contemporary art, welcoming art lovers of all experience levels. Held at Evolution London, this beloved fair showcases over 100 galleries from 1 countries, offering thousands of original artworks priced from ?100 to ?10,000. Celebrating its 27th year, the spring edition embraces the season?s renewal with a dynamic program featuring installations, workshops, and family-friendly events. With an expected attendance of over 15,000, the fair creates a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere, perfect for discovering new artists and starting or expanding collections. Highlights include a new installation by Margaux Carpentier, curated displays for Women?s History Month, and a Recent Graduates exhibition spotlighting emerging UK talent. Set against the blooming backdrop of Battersea Park, the fair blends global creativity with local charm, featuring galleries from Japan, Peru, and Ireland. Accessibility is prioritized with tactile tours and relaxed sessions, ensuring everyone can engage with art. From live performances to food trucks, the event offers a multisensory experience, making it a cornerstone of London?s cultural calendar. Art After Dark Lates and Family Mornings add vibrancy, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in creativity. The fair?s commitment to affordability and diversity continues to inspire a lifelong love of art.
Brief Information
- Dates: March 11?15, 2026, with a Private View on March 11 and public days from March 12?15.
- Location: Evolution London, Queenstown Road, Chelsea Bridge, London SW11 4NJ, UK.
- Theme: Embracing renewal and diversity in contemporary art.
- Attendance: Over 15,000 visitors, from collectors to families.
- Type: International contemporary art fair with galleries, installations, and cultural programs.
Highlights
- Margaux Carpentier?s Installation: A captivating entrance sculpture exploring identity and resilience, unveiled March 11.
- Women?s History Month Showcase: Curated display ?Resilience in Bloom? featuring artists like Aya Haidar, open daily.
- Recent Graduates Exhibition: Emerging UK talents, co-selected by Nephertiti Oboshie Schandorf, March 12?15.
- Finds Under ?500: A curated selection of affordable artworks, ideal for new collectors, available throughout.
- Art After Dark Lates: Evening events with live music and drinks, March 12?13.
- Nadia Attura?s Spring Print: A limited-edition artwork celebrating Battersea Park?s flora, available for purchase.
- AI Face Swap Photobooth: A fun, tech-infused activity blending art and innovation, open daily.
- Charity Partnership Display: Works by artists like Anita Klein for Paintings in Hospitals, March 11?15.
Organizer
- The Affordable Art Fair, founded by Will Ramsay, is led by Fair Director Hugo Barclay with a passionate team.
- Lead partner JM Finn provides wealth management insights, enhancing the visitor experience.
- Collaborations with charities like Paintings in Hospitals amplify community impact.
- A global curatorial team ensures a diverse, high-quality selection of galleries and artists.
What to Attend
- Director?s Cut Tour: Hugo Barclay?s guided tour of standout galleries, March 12.
- Family Mornings: Creative workshops for kids, including Jackson Pollock-inspired painting, March 14?15.
- Women?s History Month Talk: A panel on female representation in art, March 13.
- Recent Graduates Showcase: Discover works by new artists like Ana Gallego?s watercolours, daily.
- STITCH Workshop: Aya Haidar?s drop-in tapestry session with Karmabank, March 12?15.
- Live Art Demonstrations: Artists create in real-time, showcasing techniques, March 13?14.
- Charity Exhibition: Paintings in Hospitals? display supporting health and wellbeing.
Ticket Information
- General admission is ?14, concessions at ?12, and Family Mornings at ?20, available at aafbattersea.seetickets.com.
- Private View tickets are ?30 for exclusive access on March 11, with limited availability.
- Art After Dark Lates tickets cost ?1 , including evening entertainment.
- Use code R-ARTRABBIT for a ?5 discount, valid until February 1, 2026.
Getting There
Battersea Park, a green oasis in southwest London, offers seamless access to the Affordable Art Fair Spring 2026. Fly into London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW), both under an hour away via train or taxi, with Heathrow Express to Paddington or Gatwick Express to Victoria. From Victoria, Southern or Thameslink trains reach Battersea Park station, a 10-minute walk through the park to Evolution London. Queenstown Road station, accessible via South Western Railway from Waterloo or Richmond, is a 15-minute stroll. Buses 44, 137, 156, 344, and 452 stop near Chelsea Bridge Gate, with a free shuttle from Sloane Square tube station during fair hours. The Uber Boat to Battersea Power Station offers a scenic Thames journey, followed by a short walk across Chelsea Bridge. Driving via Chelsea Bridge provides 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. The Northern Line to Battersea Power Station tube station is a 20-minute walk across the Thames. Taxis and Uber are abundant, especially during Art After Dark Lates. International visitors can connect through Paris or Amsterdam to London City Airport (LCY), a 40-minute trip. The venue is fully accessible, with ramps and tactile tours for inclusivity. Book accommodations early in Chelsea or Clapham, and pack layers for London?s unpredictable spring weather.
History
The Affordable Art Fair, launched in October 1999 by Will Ramsay in Battersea Park, redefined art collecting by offering works from ?50, breaking the elitism of traditional art markets. The inaugural Battersea fair drew 10,000 visitors, showcasing affordable art in a welcoming setting, a novel concept at the time. By 2001, its success spurred a spring edition, cementing Battersea as the flagship venue. The early 2000s saw expansion to Bristol, New York, and Sydney, growing the fair?s global reach while maintaining its accessible ethos. In 2011, the Recent Graduates exhibition launched, spotlighting emerging UK artists and fostering new talent. The fair adapted to challenges like the 2020 pandemic with online marketplaces and hybrid formats, ensuring continuity. Its 25th anniversary in 2024 featured a timeline display and Helen Brough?s ?Heart of the Dahlia? installation, celebrating its community of artists and galleries. Partnerships with charities like Paintings in Hospitals, started in 2015, have raised significant funds for community causes. With artworks now priced up to ?10,000, the fair has maintained consistent sales, reflecting its broad appeal. The 2026 spring edition continues to champion affordability, diversity, and discovery, welcoming 100 galleries from 1 countries.
Mission
The Affordable Art Fair Battersea Spring 2026 is dedicated to making art collecting joyful, accessible, and inclusive for all, regardless of budget or experience. It curates a diverse range of contemporary artworks, priced from ?100 to ?10,000, ensuring there?s something for every taste and space. By showcasing over 100 galleries, the fair fosters connections between artists, collectors, and enthusiasts, breaking down barriers in the art world. It champions emerging talent through initiatives like the Recent Graduates exhibition, nurturing future stars. The mission prioritizes inclusivity, offering tactile tours, relaxed sessions, and family-friendly activities to welcome diverse audiences. Partnerships with charities like Paintings in Hospitals highlight art?s role in health and wellbeing. The fair celebrates cultural diversity through curated displays like Women?s History Month, amplifying underrepresented voices. Its unpretentious, vibrant atmosphere encourages 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 Evolution London and Battersea Park?s scenic paths.
- 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 creatives.
- Arrive early for the Director?s Cut tour to gain insights from Hugo Barclay.
- Enjoy food trucks like Street Dough for pizza or global dishes during breaks.
- Explore the Women?s History Month display for inspiring works by female artists.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while browsing galleries.
- Chat with gallerists for tips on starting or growing your art collection.
