The art scene in London
Most of London’s major museums are free: the National Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Modern in its former power station on the Thames, and the Whitechapel Gallery in the East End. Every summer, the Royal Academy of Arts holds its Summer Exhibition, open to submissions from the public, where much of the work on show is for sale directly. It is one of the easiest ways to start a collection in the city.
Established galleries cluster in Mayfair and St James’s, around Cork Street in particular, while the East End, from Shoreditch to Hackney, gathers studios, independent spaces and street art, especially around Brick Lane. In October, Frieze London takes over Regent’s Park, alongside Frieze Masters and a crowd of satellite fairs. South of the river, Peckham has also put itself on the map with its studios and artist-run spaces.
With Artblr, you can browse work by London artists and contact them directly, with no gallery in between. Ask for extra photos, shipping terms to Canada or a studio visit during your stay. That direct contact comes with no commission.
- Tate Modern and the National Gallery
- Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
- Frieze London, Regent’s Park
- Shoreditch and Brick Lane
Gaston Abregu
Richard David Mant
