ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

London Art Fair 2026 Returns for 38th Edition with British Surrealism Survey and Radical Care Theme

festival-fair · 2026-04-19

The 38th London Art Fair is set to take place from January 20-25, 2026, at the Business Design Centre in London, showcasing Modern and Contemporary galleries from both the UK and abroad. Curated segments include Platform, highlighting material innovation by Dr. Ferren Gipson, and Encounters, which returns with a theme centered on radical care. Key attractions of the Main Fair feature a survey by England & Co celebrating British Surrealism, commemorating 90 years since the 1936 International Surrealist Exhibition, with works by Ithell Colquhoun and Sir Roland Penrose. Photography will be prominently represented by the James Hyman Gallery, featuring artists like Cecil Beaton and Vivian Maier. Contemporary talents such as Tracey Emin and emerging artists will also be present. Alveston Fine Art will exhibit Julia Hall's REFUGE project, focusing on women rebuilding their lives in the UK. Additionally, photographers Nick Meek and Polina Piëch will present vibrant works infused with natural elements. The fair juxtaposes historic figures like Francis Bacon and Louise Bourgeois with pressing contemporary viewpoints, while Murat Balci and Fumie Onuki delve into queer politics in the Encounters section. As the first major event on the international art calendar, it stands as a vital platform for collectors and art lovers in the UK market.

Key facts

  • London Art Fair runs January 20-25, 2026
  • Held at Business Design Centre in London
  • 38th edition of the fair
  • Features British Surrealism survey marking 90 years since 1936 International Surrealist Exhibition
  • Platform section curated by Dr Ferren Gipson focuses on material experimentation
  • Encounters section returns with radical care theme
  • Main Fair includes 20th century masters and emerging contemporary artists
  • Photography features prominently with works by Cecil Beaton, Bill Brandt, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Vivian Maier

Entities

Artists

  • Francis Bacon
  • Barbara Hepworth
  • William Kentridge
  • Louise Bourgeois
  • Frank Auerbach
  • Ithell Colquhoun
  • Sir Roland Penrose
  • Cecil Beaton
  • Bill Brandt
  • Henri Cartier-Bresson
  • Vivian Maier
  • Tracey Emin
  • Vanessa Jackson RA
  • Oisin Byrne
  • Alexander Massouras
  • Julia Hall
  • Nick Meek
  • Polina Piëch
  • Murat Balci
  • Fumie Onuki
  • João Artur da Silva

Institutions

  • London Art Fair
  • England & Co
  • James Hyman Gallery
  • Alveston Fine Art
  • Art Elsewhere
  • Crane Kalman Brighton
  • Perve Galeria
  • Aesthetica Magazine

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Paris
  • France
  • Italy
  • Lake Como
  • Varenna

Sources