Hampstead Heath will play host once again to the Affordable Art Fair, which promises to cater for first-time buyers right through to seasoned art collectors.
From a painting of the Queen and a print of Parliament Hill’s famous parakeets, to a work featuring Sex Pistols icon Sid Vicious, there will be something for every budget – from £100 all the way up to £5,000.
Luci Noel, director of the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, says: “Hampstead is so unique; there are so many local, established artists and there are always constant crowds when we come.
“We want the fair to be a real destination and the Heath helps make that a reality.
“We have a huge local audience, but people also come from the Home Counties and from across London for its vibrancy and to see the Heath come to life.”
A floating art gallery on the Mixed Pond caused a stir at last year’s fair, and Noel promises something just as spectacular for this year – though she’s keeping it tightly under wraps for now.
But one change is that for the first time, the fair will be working with local primary and secondary schools for a competition run by estate agent Anscombe&Ringland for children to come up with ideas about how they can creatively interact with the capital’s piece of urban countryside.
The best idea will be displayed at the fair.
“The Heath itself is such an epic source of inspiration for the artists so to reflect that in the competition is really great.
“We want to get the message out to a younger audience and Hampstead works so well for that,” adds Noel.
“I grew up in Gospel Oak, so it’s nice to have the fair back on home turf. The community is so responsive.”
Among local artists exhibiting is Highgate printmaker Mychael Barratt.
His piece. Exit, Pursued by a Bear, is made up of characters from Shakespeare’s 38 plays to mark the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s death this year.
As well as artwork for sale, a programme of events aims to educate novices – including a daily tour of what’s on display to suit different budgets.
“It’s about breaking down barriers,” Noel says. “We want to create a fun day out for the whole family.”
The Affordable Art Fair runs from June 15 until June 19 at the Lower Fairground Site on East Heath Road.
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