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 Design: the new sex? |
Earl's Court Exhibition Centre London SW5 9TA United Kingdom +44 20 8910 7724 http://www.100percentdesign.co.uk |
Having long looked to Paris and Milan for inspiration, London is now generally regarded as the design capital of Europe, maybe even the world. So, where better to showcase young, contemporary designers than here? Over 450 companies exhibit, specially selected by a panel of industry experts. Recent exhibitors have included B&B Italia, SCP, Cappellini, Helen Yardley, TwentyTwentyOne and The Igloo, and all genres of modern design are represented. Unfortunately the first few days of the fair are for trade only, with only the final day open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Larsz  |
 Sale of the century |
Royal College of Art Kensington Gore, South Kensington London SW7 2EU United Kingdom +44 20 7590 4444 |
The 20th and 21st Century British Art Fair gives you the chance to appreciate the diversity of two centuries of painting, sculpture, photography and ceramics under one roof. It's the only fair for British Art from 1900 to the present day. Leading dealers will exhibit historic British art from the Impressionists to Pop Art, to current work, by both known and undiscovered artists. Prices range from a few hundred to many thousands. Somewhat appropriately, the fair is showcased in the Royal College of Art and often features work of past students. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Discover hot, new talent |
Old Spitalfields Market London, London E1 6AA United Kingdom +44 20 7375 0441 |
As an alternative to London Fashion Week, the city's other fashion week brings together hot, young talent you can discover here first. The shows and fashion market are open to both press and public and admission is free. With the emphasis on fashion as an art form and on highly individual and innovative design, the results are always eclectic and you can expect everything from fetish and club wear to more wearable men's and women's fashion by designers from all over the globe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Two Art Societies, One Gallery |
48 Hopton Street London SE1 9JH United Kingdom +44 020 7928 7521 http://www.banksidegallery.com/ info@banksidegallery.com |
The artistic, modern creations by the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers can be seen at the Bankside Gallery. The gallery hosts art shows from these societies and exhibits a mixture of watercolors and prints in both themed shows or often single person shows. Come enjoy the refreshing display of artistic designs of societies. Now you can buy original pieces from the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers too! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Benjamin Stockwell |
 Photo: Katie Lewis |
 An expo of all things snowboard related |
Alexandra Palace Wood Green, Haringey London N22 7AY United Kingdom http://www.snowboardclub.co.uk/ |
Right before skiing season, a host of ski shows - featuring new products, equipment, travel packages and the like - will try to part you from your money. This snowboarding festival has all these features, but works harder on entertaining the snowboarding fan and showing would-be boarders what the sport is all about. Past attractions have included the 70m real snow Big Air Jump and Olympic champion Gian Simmen was a former guest. You'll also have the chance to check out what's new in the snowboarding world. Admission costs around £6-£10. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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London Bridge Art |
2 Spring Gardens Trafalgar Square London SW1A 2TS United Kingdom +1 312 421 2227 http://www.bridgeartfair.com/ info@bridgeartfair.com |
Held in the luxurious Trafalgar Hotel, contemporary art will fill every one of its 120 rooms. The art forms are unlimited, with all types of media represented. Held at the same time as Frieze Art Fair in London, the Bridge Art Fair caters to a different crowd. Many of the rooms are reserved for artists under 35, giving innovative and fresh voices a chance to be seen. Admission is GBP10. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Levi's jeans plus cutting-edge art |
5 Newburgh Street London W1F 7RG United Kingdom +44 20 7287 4941 http://www.levi.com/ |
This smallish, minimalist boutique is a hidden portal that's easy to miss but well worth discovering. The window displays themselves are a visual feast. Owned by Levi Strauss, the stock comes mainly from the denim giant, but features their latest Red Label clothing as well as limited edition and vintage gear. The shop has also commissioned artists to specially customize jeans. The rest of the merchandise is a mix of unusual T-shirts, arty books, records and one-off collectibles. Be sure to check out the art on display in the basement which is a showcase for young artists such as graphic/sleeve artist Andy Votel, best known for his work with Twisted Nerve and Badly Drawn Boy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Christmas Shopping Head Start |
52 Upper Street (Business Design Centre) London, London N1 0QH United Kingdom +44 (0)870 739 9111 (Box office) http://www.countrylivingfair.com/ |
Country Living celebrates the coming of Christmas and spring in style with its two annual fairs. The Christmas Fair is the bigger and more famous event, offering original and beautiful gifts. This is your chance to get all that Christmas shopping out of the way before the shops become crowded in December! From simple crafts and ornaments to more artistic and upmarket designer goods, it's all on offer at this stylish event. Admission costs around GBP10. The Spring Fair is held every March. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Contemporary art and jewellery show |
South Bank, Royal National Theatre London SE1 9PX United Kingdom +44 20 7452 3333 http://www.dazzle-exhibitions.... tonydazzle@aol.com |
This contemporary jewellery and applied art selling exhibition in the foyer of the Olivier is always a hit, especially since it starts at the beginning of the Christmas shopping season (End of Nov. to mid Jan.). Over 90 major contemporary designers exhibited 3,000 pieces in last year's show, including jewellery, clocks, boxes, tea strainers, watches, oil lamps, candle holders and mirrors. Prices vary widely, depending on the designer, material, intricacy and quantity. You can find many one-offs here, and some of the exhibitors produce pieces especially for the event. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Antiques and cutting edge interior design |
Battersea Park (The Marquee, the Riverside Terraces) London, London SW11 United Kingdom +44 20 7624 5173 http://www.decorativefair.com/ fairs@decorativefair.com |
This exciting event is aimed at both trade and public, and there will be pieces for sale in all price ranges. It is an unusual event which brings quality antique furniture together with high class interior design and soft-furnishing items. Held three times a year in the marquee, Battersea Park, the fair is now well established, and a free shuttle runs between the Moat House Hotel in Sloane Square and the Marquee in Battersea Park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Oldest dinghy show in the world |
Alexandra Palace Way (Alexandra Palace) London, London N22 United Kingdom +44 845 345 0424 http://www.rya.org.uk |
Every first weekend of March, sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts make their way to Alexandra Palace for the oldest (established in 1952) dinghy show in the world. Whether you're an expert or an enthusiastic novice, you'll be able to glean information from a host of exhibitors including schools, boat builders, clubs, youth clubs and equipment suppliers. The fair ends with a party, free to all exhibitors and visitors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Huge display of miniatures |
Horton Street (Kensington Town Hall) London W8 7NX United Kingdom +44 20 7812 9892 http://www.dollshousefestival.com dollhousefestival@btinternet.com |
This annual fair is held in Kensington Town Hall over a weekend in May. Over 180 exhibitors display a host of items in exquisite miniature from silver cutlery, hand blown glass, carefully woven carpets to the finest dollhouses. Some of the dollhouses are commissioned replicas of famous buildings such as Versailles Palace or The Albert Hall and they are truly magnificent. There is also a magical display of lit houses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Obata |
 Photo: Vas K |
 Dance and buy! |
34-36 Kingsland Road London, London E2 8DA United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7739 9550 / +44 (0)20 7729 5830 http://www.dreambagsjaguarshoe... info@jaguarshoes.com |
This joint is located in the Shoreditch district and has soothing interiors, which change every now and then. The bar, though dark and gloomy with only a brick fireplace as its décor, is one of the coolest places to hang out. Hordes of youngsters hang out here to swing to the DJ's music. Sometimes this nightclub also doubles up as an exhibition space. Europe's most creative illustrators, fashion designers, photographers and painters display their work here. Furthermore, you can feel good about all the bidding and spending here; some of the money that the bar generates, right from the entrance fee to the exhibition fee, goes to charity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Contemporay Italian art and education |
39a Canonbury Square London N1 2AN United Kingdom +44 020 7704 9522 http://www.estorickcollection.... info@estorickcollection.com |
Formed by an American art dealer and his European textile designer wife, the Estorick collection is Britain's only gallery devoted entirely to modern Italian art and is internationally recognized for its core collection of futurist works. The Estorick also offers a diverse array of temporary exhibitions and educational opportunities. Workshops for children and adults are designed around temporary exhibition themes, while Italian language classes are held in the galleries themselves! Containing six galleries, an art library, bookshop, and Italian garden café, the Estorick is a must see for tourists and London natives alike. Check their website for further information. Admission is GBP3.50 adults, free to school children and students with a valid NUS card. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Emerging Hot London Designers |
Old Spitalfields Market (The Horner Buildings) London, London E1 United Kingdom +44 20 7375 0441 |
The people who brought you Alternative Fashion Week have launched a monthly market at Old Spitalfields' Horner buildings. This event is set to become 'the' platform for London's emerging and established fashion and accessory designers, positioned between trendy Hoxton and London's latest art and design hot-spot, Spitalfields, in the atmospheric listed Eastern half of the covered market. The market is held on the first Thursday of every month. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Unbelievable works! |
9 Maddox Street London, London W1S 2QE United Kingdom +40 (0)20 7499 6870 / +40 (0)20 7499 6970 http://www.franciskylegallery.... info@franciskylegallery.com |
If you are simply fascinated by the way art makes you think, then this is a good place for you to visit. The gallery, housed within a brick structure in Mayfair, hosts many exhibitions through the year. They feature paintings, etchings, drawings, and contemporary pieces of art on canvas. You can find intriguing works by known and upcoming artists. Past exhibitions have included a display of works by Christian Furr, Patrick Hughes, and Ramsay Gibb. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Innovative Arts Festival |
6 College Approach London, London SE10 9HY United Kingdom +44 (0)20 8305 1818 http://www.festival.org admin@festival.org |
Although Greenwich has always been a popular stop on the tourist trail, the Docklands is often overlooked - unless you happen to be working there, of course. This summer arts festival, usually held in June/July, allows you to explore more of the area. Taking advantage of some beautiful riverside locations. On both banks of the Thames, the festival's venue provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of international theatre, music, dance, visual arts and other cultural events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Neasan O'Neill |
 Photo: Adriano Galante |
 Incorporating the British Rose Festival |
Hampton Court (Hampton Court Palace) London SE17 3AN United Kingdom +44 870 906 3791 http://www.rhs.org.uk/hamptonc... info@rhs.org.uk |
This is one of the summer calendar's major flower shows. The historical palace provides a fitting backdrop to the splashes of colour spread throughout the marquees. The festival, incorporating the British Rose Festival, features specialist areas like the Aquatics Village, the show gardens, greenhouses, conservatories and exhibitors displaying horticultural products and crafts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ricksphotos101 |
 Photo: hermeti |
 Photo: ricksphotos101 |
 Photo: ricksphotos101 |
 Photo: Irish |
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Designs and gadgets for homes of the future |
Warwick Road Earl's Court London, London SW5 9TA United Kingdom +44 870 606 6080 http://www.idealhomeshow.co.uk/ simonmayle@uk.dmgworldmedia.com |
One of the most celebrated annual design shows in Europe, the Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition premiers all the latest household designs and high-tech gadgets. Always a fantastic spectacle even if you don't have any particular interest in home improvements, the event featured a giant 18m lighthouse centrepiece, a relaxing landscape garden, and a series of concept products to let visitors glimpse the future of home life. Beat all those TV interior designers at their own game. Admission: GBP10-12 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stuart |
 Photo: Phil Day |
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Major contemporary art fair |
52 Upper St, Islington Business Design Centre London N1 0QH United Kingdom +44 20 7359 3535 http://www.businessdesigncentr... bdc@businessdesigncentre.co.uk |
This art and design show in the Business Design Centre in Islington, is probably the biggest of its kind in the UK with over 40,000 visitors last year. The venue is huge with plenty of natural light. The exhibitors cover the whole range: from big name galleries such as White Cube to a whole host of smaller fry enterprises all vying for your trade. The range of art on sale is extensive and certainly eclectic. Advance booking is EUR8.50; tickets at the door EUR10. Check Web site for next year's dates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The largest art fair in the UK |
52 Upper Street, Islington Business Design Centre London, London N1 0QH United Kingdom +44 20 7288 6482 http://www.londonartfair.co.uk jonathanb@upperstreetevents.co.uk |
The London Contemporary Art Fair, held in January, provides a showcase for Britain's top contemporary art galleries. With 7,000 square metres of space, The Business Design Centre complex boasts bars and restaurants, convenient parking and a Hilton Hotel. As London grows in importance as a place for young cutting edge artists to live and work, there has never been a more exciting time to see this event. The fair now also devotes space to a parallel event, STAR - a selection of the best new talent from recently opened galleries up and down the country. Pieces on sale will range from £100 to £15,000 and featured artists have previously included Tracey Emin, Gilbert & George, and Anish Kapoor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Design paradise |
Chelsea Harbour (Chelsea Harbour Design Centre) London, London SW10 0XF United Kingdom +44 20 7225 9100 http://www.chelsea-harbour.co.... enquiries@chdc.co.uk |
This collaborative exhibition brings together the best of British and international designers at the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre and nearby showrooms. Usually around one hundred exhibitors, many resident at the centre, use this established design event to launch their collections of furniture, wall coverings, textiles, lighting, accessories and more. London Design Week takes place annually in March, and you're advised to check a month or so in advance for dates and admission price. Complimentary shuttle services are available to ferry you between Earl's Court, the CHDC and other participating showrooms. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ben Arent |
 Photo: Jim English |
 Photo: marpelan |
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Everything for the deep |
Victoria Dock Road London International Exhibition Centre London, London United Kingdom +44 (0) 20 8977 9878 http://www.diveshows.co.uk/ diveshows@divermag.co.uk |
On a weekend near the end of March, diving enthusiasts of all abilities and ages make their way to Victoria Dock Road to see the best in diving equipment and accessories, boats, classes and training programmes, specialised holidays and the like. You'll also be able to participate in demonstrations, try dive pool sessions, and go to a PADI village and listen to holiday seminars. Celebrity guests also make an appearance. Go on, dive in. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Countless Architectural And Design Delights |
Various venues London, London United Kingdom +44 20 7383 2131 (Office) http://www.londonopenhouse.org/ vthornton@londonopenhouse.org |
Over the third weekend in September, about 500 buildings all over London open their doors to the public for free. This is your chance to catch a glimpse of the interior of both secret gems and famous sights (e.g. Lloyd's Building) which are normally closed to the public. The participants will include buildings of all kinds, as the goal of the event is to "foster public awareness and appreciation of architecture and the building environment". This is London's contribution to a European-wide initiative of architectural appreciation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rory Gibb |
 Photo: Eve |
 Photo: simon bennett |
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Everything necessary for that perfect wedding |
Hammersmith Road (Olympia Exhibition Centre) London W14 0QR United Kingdom +44 121 767 3127 http://www.nationalweddingshow... weddings_bridal@mrn.co.uk |
Why do people still love traditional weddings? Well, let's face it, a wedding is a great excuse for a party and your chance to be the centre of attention, so you might as well make it the highlight of your life! This huge fair showcases the best of everything related to weddings, from caterers to wedding organisers and catwalk shows of all types of dress design. As the organisers would say... don't start planning your big day until you've made a trip here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Antique furniture and fine artwork |
Olympia Exhibition Hall (opposite Olympia tube station) London, London W14 8UX United Kingdom +44 870 736 3105 http://www.olympia-antiques.co.uk |
Around 350 exhibitors will be selling antique furniture, fine art, modern and contemporary works at this leading art fair, held three times a year in spring, summer and winter. Collectors, curators and connoisseurs should all find something amongst the traditional English and continental art. The exhibits include furniture, glass, ceramics, textiles, tapestries, oil paintings, old master drawings, watercolours, maps, silver, jewelery and more. Because the items have been approved by the British Antique Dealers Association, LAPADA, The Association of Art and Antiques Dealers, academics and museum curators, you can buy with confidence. Admission is £8, and catalogues cost £5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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London's longest running antiques fair |
Kings Road Chelsea Old Town Hall London, London SW3 - 4TR United Kingdom +44 1460 43 2090 http://www.penman-fairs.co.uk/ info@penman-fairs.co.uk |
A prestigious annual fair which has been taking place since 1950, Penmans Chelsea Antiques Fair plays host to many BADA and LAPADA members. The organisers ensure that all exhibits are strictly vetted before going on sale, and most predate 1875. Items have included early English pottery, barometers, French and Oriental bronzes, antiquarian maps, domestic brass, and copperware. There are light meals and refreshments available at the fair, which is held in the month of September. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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International stamp and cover show |
Greycoat Street (Royal Horticultural Society) London, London SW1P 2PE United Kingdom http://www.stampshows.co.uk |
This bi-annual, three-day postage stamp show unites more than 100 dealers from around the world. A range of philatelic material will be on display and for sale, and "specialist study groups" will meet at various times throughout the exhibition to share tips and advice between philatelists who specialize in specific geographical areas or historical periods. For more information and a list of exhibitors (released a few months before each fair), check out the above website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bridging the Art Gap |
5-7 Tavistock Place Mary Ward House London WC1 United Kingdom +1 212 255 2327 http://www.pulse-art.com/london/ info@pulse-art.com |
Pulse London is held at the same time as the Frieze Art Fair and many alternative art shows in London. An excellent time in the city to see all kinds of art, Pulse aims to bridge the gap between the two extremes, providing art to please all sensibilities. The show is held in the historic Mary Ward House, a venue is of great architectural interest, and shows off the contemporary works of art to great effect. Admission is GPB10, or GPB6 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 For Art Lovers |
Buckingham Palace Road London SW1A 1AA United Kingdom + 44 020 7766 7301 http://www.londonpass.com/attQ... |
Located in London's Buckingham Palace, Queen's Gallery is a place where you can view fine art from the Royal Collection itself. The gallery will exhibit pieces from reknown artists, such as Rubens and Vermeer, that have belonged to monarchs for centuries. Also, artifacts such as jewelry, furniture, and sculptures are on display. Those with a London Pass can be admitted for free. The gallery is open daily from 10a-5:30p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Monthly flower shows |
80 Vincent Square Royal Horticultural Society Halls London, London SW1P 2PE United Kingdom +44 20 7281 3408 http://www.rhs.org.uk info@rhs.org.uk |
These monthly two-day flower shows are well attended by those in the horticultural community, all hoping to leave with a coveted Gold Medal for their displays. The exhibitors come from all over the UK and transform the spacious halls into a stunning riot of colour and smell. The flowers always reflect the season, so winter displays will include snowdrops, crocuses and other seasonal blooms and foliage. Plants are for sale during the show. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Pickard |
 Photo: Leo Reynolds |
 Photo: Leo Reynolds |
 Photo: London looks |
 Photo: justin macfarlane |
 Photo: Michael Pickard |
 Photo: Leo Reynolds |
 Photo: London looks |
 Photo: London looks |
 Photo: justin macfarlane |
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The art event of the summer |
Piccadilly (Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House) London W1J OBD United Kingdom +44 20 7300 8000 http://www.royalacademy.org.uk |
Begun in 1769, the Royal Academy has hosted this oldest, largest and most famous of exhibitions for more than two centuries, and it continues to attract huge crowds of art lovers, lay people and tourists alike. The range of modern art, all by living artists, means that accessibility is high. Any artist may enter work for selection, so talented newcomers may very well be hung next to the work of artists of international repute (including Royal Academicians). Art collectors also flock here, as all the pieces on display are for sale June through August. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fiona Crawford Watson |
 Photo: sue |
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Okay to Laugh Aloud |
35 Little Russell Street London, UK WC1A 2HH United Kingdom +44 020 7580 8155 http://www.cartooncentre.com/ info@cartoonmuseum.org |
Only a rugby toss away from The British Museum, this is a great place to soak in Britain's quintessential sense of humour. With over 750 cartoons and caricatures, a library of 2500 comics, and 4000 books on the genre, the London Cartoon Museum is a must see for young and old. Spanning from 18th Century to present day comics (Tony Blair and the Queen are fair game), this museum illustrates a comprehensive look at history, through the comic's perspective. Remember, don't hold back the chuckles; laughing aloud is encouraged! Be sure to check out the hilarious greeting cards and books in the museum's gift shop, where London Pass holders will receive a 10% discount. Check website for rolling exhibitions. Admission: FREE for London pass holders, students, and those under 18; GBP3 for adults. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Prestigious antiques fair |
Park Lane (Grosvenor House) London, London W1K 7TN United Kingdom +44 20 7399 8100 http://www.grosvenorfair.co.uk info@grosvenorfair.co.uk |
The Great Room at the Grosvenor House plays host each June to more than 100 top art dealers from around the world. Browse through manuscripts, carpets, paintings, ceramics, furniture, glass, prints, metal work, scientific instruments and much more. Everyone from enthusiastic novices and collectors to museum curators and experts are welcome and all art is for sale. A charity gala ends the event. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Go a little bit Gallic in Olympia |
Hammersmith Road (Olympia Exhibition Centre) London W14 8UX United Kingdom +44 870 902 0444 http://www.vivelafrance.co.uk/ vivelafrance@haynet.com |
This annual exhibition is the event for all things French, with Gallic chefs demonstrating national and local specialties and wine experts on hand for tastings and seminars. It's not all red meat and even redder wine, however, representatives from each of France's regions will also be illustrating the cultural diversity of the nation. With photo galleries, fashion shows, philosophy cafe, skiing information and language workshops, the France Show is ideal for anyone planning to cross the channel in the near future. Bon Voyage. See website for schedule and admission info. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Specialist annual exhibition |
6 Burlington Gardens The Royal Academy of Arts London W1S 3EX United Kingdom +44 (0)1798 86 1815 http://www.watercoloursfair.com/ info@watercoloursfair.com |
This annual specialist fair features around 60 dealers from the UK and the US, who exhibit and sell a wide selection of original art on the three floors of the Park Lane Hotel's art deco ballroom. Dealers have included Bennett Fine Art, Froyle Gallery, Clark Art, Moss Galleries and Wren Gallery and artists on sale have ranged from Peter deWint and David Cox, to Graham Sutherland and David Hockney, as well as some more lesser known and up-and-coming artists. Admission costs approximately £14, but is higher on charity gala night. See Web site for next year's exact dates. Review © 2007, Wcities |