The 40th London Original Print Fair took place on 20 – 23 March at Somerset House. The Independent reports that the anniversary exhibition involved the display of over 1,200 works from over 40 exhibitors. Notable works included pieces by Picasso, Hockney, Warhol, Tracey Emin, and a new work by British artist David Shrigley.
There was also the unveiling of a new work by Peter Blake, who is most famous as the Pop Art practitioner who created the iconic album cover for The Beatles Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band. Tin Man Art will present historical prints by Stanley Dunwood, alongside a new series of works created with Thom Yorke of Radiohead.
The gallery Abbott and Holder presented their collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, which showcased original prints from 1917 that were inspired by the industry and British cultural values of the Great War.
The 2025 fair also included new edition prints of works by Old Masters, and new launches by emerging artists. There was also a packed programme of fascinating talks and events throughout the three days.
What exactly are original prints?
There are various different types of prints, including lithograph, monotype, and screenprint, engraving, etching, linocut or woodcut. Often an artist will make them in addition to another form of artwork such as painting, or collaborate closely with the printmaker to produce a work with certain types of inks and paper.
Prints can be an overlooked area of the art market, but they are gaining traction as collectable items in their own right. A print fair or exhibition is an ideal way to acquire an original piece of artwork by a well known name at an affordable price. Prints are more than just photocopies or reproductions: they are original works in their own right.
As a framers in London, we can help you to find the right frame to complement your print. Our experienced staff will be able to offer tips on the right style, colour, material and size of frame to perfectly capture the mood of the work. Just get in touch with us today or call into our shop.
The history of the London Original Print Fair
The London Print Fair was launched in 1985, and is the city’s oldest art fair. Director Helen Rosslyn explains to The Independent that the fair was born of necessity: most print dealers didn’t have galleries or shops to display in, as prints were regarded as less prestigious than other forms of artwork.
Rosslyn explained that the inaugural fair was a very modest affair: “It was a little stockroom, really. From that, it’s just kept growing as people got more comfortable about buying prints.”
Providing further enlightenment about the world of prints, which can be somewhat clouded in confusion, she said: “Printmaking is quite collaborative. You get an artist and they will find a printmaker who’s a specialist in the business of printing. They’ll tell them the right inks, the right paper, and the relationship between a printer and an artist might go on for 40 years.”
She added: “Prints are original artworks because the artist always anticipated making an addition. They aren’t just a reproduction or something artists have made as a painting. It dates right back to [Albrecht] Dürer’s day. He realised that if he did a great painting it would get stuck in somebody rich’s house.”
“Whereas, if he made a woodcut, just the simple carpenter could buy [a print] with a week’s wages. I sort of like to think of prints as a well kept secret. But a lot of galleries are now setting up ‘editions’ wings. They’re recognising that not only do prints bring in more people who can afford to buy art but it’s a stable way of selling and collecting in a steady market.”
It’s possible to browse prints and view virtual stands all year round on the London Original Print Fair website, so if you are looking for an affordable way to refresh your art work this spring, then this could provide you with the perfect opportunity.