ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

London Invitational Boutique Art Fair Launches During Frieze Week 2026

festival-fair · 2026-07-13

The London Invitational, an exclusive art fair, is set to launch from October 15 to 18, 2026, at The Chancery Rosewood hotel in Mayfair, utilizing an entire floor of the old US Embassy. This event, initiated by James Cope, a dealer originally from Britain and now based in Dallas, and co-directed by London art consultant Jessica Nowitzki, will feature 15 international galleries by invitation only, such as Lomex, Vardaxoglou, Broadway, and Gathering. The hotel setting allows galleries to create exhibitions within guest suites, minimizing costs related to shipping and participation. Building on the success of the 2023 Dallas Invitational, the London fair aims to offer a more intimate experience, focusing on curation and dialogue rather than size. Cope mentioned that the Dallas fair emerged from galleries' desires for a more relationship-oriented atmosphere, while Nowitzki highlighted the need for alternative models in a challenging market. The fair will be part of the expanding network of boutique events during Frieze Week.

Key facts

  • London Invitational launches 15th–18th October 2026 at The Chancery Rosewood in Mayfair.
  • The fair is invitation-only with 15 international galleries.
  • Founded by James Cope and co-directed by Jessica Nowitzki.
  • Participating galleries include Lomex, Vardaxoglou, Broadway, and Gathering.
  • The hotel format reduces shipping, handling, and participation costs.
  • London Invitational is based on the Dallas Invitational model launched in 2023.
  • The fair occupies an entire floor of the former US Embassy.
  • Organisers emphasise curation and conversation over scale.

Entities

Institutions

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Mayfair
  • Grosvenor Square
  • Dallas
  • United States

Sources