London Art Fair - The Middle Market

Oliver Basciano of Art Info reports on the London Art Fair, now in its 21st year. What I find interesting is the fair, with 112 exhibitors, is placed squarely in the middle market. The article is titled about the fair coming of age, but I must admit I like the fact that a middle market show is drawing press attention and has had successful results. As appraisers we know the middle market has been suffering, especially in the decorative arts for some time now. The middle market was ailing even when the upper markets were showing signs of strength. With so much attention showered on the large fairs and auctions, many times the middle market is forgotten. I wish there was more information and results for the middle market of the fine and decorative arts. I too have been to blame for overly focusing on the upper markets, but unfortunately, that is where most of the emphasis and sales result reporting is. So we take what we can get.

The Basciano article states the London Art Fair, which ran between January 13 and January 18th had many satisfied dealers. I dont want to get too excited, but the news of the show and positive results are very pleasing, especially in our current economic climate. Many dealers were reporting satisfactory sales given the state of the economy. So we are not talking about a great success, but a solid return in the middle market with acceptable sales given the economic situation.

Basciano reports But of late, LAF has reinvented itself as a mid-market destination for local collectors, and judging by the foot traffic and positive exhibitor reports so far at this year’s edition, has done so successfully.

The article states many of those who patronized the show were local collectors, and the dealers were, in general pleased with the results. As a dealer, as I am as well, you do have to take into consideration the current economic situation, and factor those changes into deciding the success or lack there-of of any show or fair results.

I was displaying at the Historic Annapolis Foundation Antiques show January 15th-18th, and I was pleased with the results, given the current economic climate. That being said, several years ago, I would have been disappointed. Most dealers were pleased with the gate, but as always would like to have seen more sales for the number of patrons visiting the show. How times changes perspectives.

To read the ArtInfo article, click HERE.