Review: 20/21 British Art Fair

Paul Feiler (1918-2013), 'Grey Receding', 1962, Oil on canvas laid on wood, 152.4 x 182.9 cm, Copyright The Estate of Paul Feiler, care of The Redfern Gallery

Sir Terry Frost, 'Blue Harbour', 1953, oil on canvas, 66 x 67 cm.

Harold Cohen, 'Richard Hamilton Suite', 1967, The complete set of 8 screenprints 653 x 740mm each (1.4 x 3.2 metres total hanging space), collection - Tate Gallery; British Museum

20/21 British Art Fair 2013

11-15 September 2013

Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2EU

www.britishartfair.co.uk

By Roisin Astell

On Wednesday 11^th September, the Royal College of Art opened its doors to the annual 20/21 British Art Fair. Spread across two floors, this is the only fair that focuses on modern, post-war and contemporary British Art all under one roof. Displayed are large collections of work by Henry Moore, LS. Lowry, John Piper, David Hockney, Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley, Antony Gormley, Francis Bacon; and contemporary works by Hirst, Emin, Ofili, Banksy and Perry and many more.

Exhibiting 56 galleries and dealers, both first timers to the fair and those with long-standing displays since the very first fair in 1988; dealers offer a variety of paintings, original prints, drawings, sculptures and photography – plenty that appeals to both the young first time buyer and the established collector, a factor so fundamental to the success of this fair and one clearly evident through the flowing crowds that attending the opening day.

Since being established 26 years ago by Gay Hutson and Angela (Bunny) Wynn, the fair continues to flourish; becoming the event that opens the autumn season in the art world, and this year those visiting are in for great selection of some of Britain’s finest works.

Throughout, there is the ever-present collection of St Ives movement works, including artists Barbara Hepwoth, Peter Lanyon and Patrick Heron. On stand 12, The Redfern Gallery have a poignant display of 6 works by Paul Feiler. Speaking to one of the managing directors of the gallery, Richard Gault explained that the displayed works “represent a tribute to Feiler, and are great examples of his varying range as an artist.” Joining the gallery in 1953, Feiler had a long relationship with The Redfern Gallery. As a commanding figure in the history of post-war British modernism and as a prominent member of the St Ives School of art, Feiler’s work can also be found at Tate. Displayed work includes the impressive ‘Grey Receding’ (1962).

What is fascinating about the fair is the sheer variety of new and emerging dealers exhibiting. Dominic Guerrini Fine Art offers a wide selection of the modern and contemporary names, including prints and sculptures, including Hockney’s ‘Paper Pools’ lithograph print. Dominic Guerrini usually sells online and told Apollo that displaying at this fair is a great way to reach a wider audience of collectors. Dominic Kemp Modern British Prints is similar, operating only online. This is the first year that Kemp has exhibited at this fair, and states that is a “privilege to be offered a stand.” His collection includes some original prints by Terry Frost and Bridget Riley.

Also first time exhibiting is Beetles and Huxley, offering a fantastic selection of some of the world’s most sought after iconic photographs; including works by Cecil Beaton and Terry O’Neil’s ‘David Bowie – Diamond Dogs’.  

The prestigious 20/21 British Art Fair has an extensive audience, including the Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood. Speaking to Ronnie yesterday, he told Apollo that “it’s a great fair”, and that he had come especially to see John Monk’s work after “taking a shine to him.” Ronnie left 20/21 with two of Monk’s works purchased from Long and Ryle, with their future home being in one of his houses.

This years 20/21 British Art Fair proves to be the pivotal date in every dealer and collector’s diary. Displaying some fantastic and rare works, this fair continues to go from strength to strength. 

You can view my article here on Apollo's website: http://www.apollo-magazine.com/2021-british-art-fair/