Anyone who knows me knows that I have a real passion for visual art. Give me an opportunity to visit a gallery, museum or exhibition, and I will happily take it! I even love painting myself, although I must admit that admiring other people’s masterpieces is a slightly less messy affair. And when it comes to London art events, there is one that I particularly look forward to twice a year: the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea.
I have been visiting for years, and the autumn edition of 2026 was another wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in the world of contemporary art. Held from 14 to 18 October in the beautiful surroundings of Battersea Park, the fair once again brought together more than 100 UK and international galleries, showcasing thousands of artworks across a wonderfully diverse range of styles, mediums and prices.
And yes, I came away feeling inspired, with my head full of ideas and a list of artists and galleries to explore further. But this year, there was a little twist to my usual visit: for the first time, I went to the fair as a homeowner!
A feast for the eyes: art for every taste
Let’s be honest: the Affordable Art Fair is a commercial event. Its purpose is to connect artists and galleries with people who want to buy art. But I have always seen it as so much more than a shopping opportunity. For me, it is a celebration of creativity and an invitation to discover just how much joy art can bring into our lives.
Walking through the exhibition space is a feast for the eyes. There are oil paintings and acrylics, original prints and photography, ceramics and sculptures, bold contemporary pieces and more delicate works that invite you to stop and look a little longer.
The variety is extraordinary. One moment, you might find yourself captivated by an explosion of colour; the next, you could be admiring a minimalist composition, an intriguing ceramic sculpture or a painting that makes you wonder about the story behind it.
I love the fact that different artistic languages sit side by side. There is no single style dominating the fair, and that is precisely what makes it so enjoyable. Whether you are drawn to figurative art, abstract compositions, landscapes, photography or three-dimensional works, there is plenty to discover.
And the best part? You do not need to be an art historian or an experienced collector to enjoy it. Sometimes, you simply see something you love. You cannot quite explain why, but it speaks to you. Surely, that is one of the most beautiful things about art.
Art collecting without the intimidation
The word collecting can sound rather exclusive, as though buying art were something reserved for wealthy collectors with enormous houses and dedicated galleries. The Affordable Art Fair challenges that perception by making contemporary art more accessible.
With prices starting from £100 and artworks available at a range of price points, the fair encourages visitors to explore the art market at their own pace and according to their own budgets. Specially curated selections, including Finds Under £500, are particularly helpful for anyone who wants to discover original works without spending a fortune.
You can browse, ask questions, learn about artists and speak directly with gallery representatives. If something catches your eye, you can find out more about the artist, the techniques used and the inspiration behind the work.
I find this especially appealing because buying art should be an enjoyable experience, rather than an intimidating one. You do not need to know everything about the art world before making your first purchase. Developing your eye, discovering new artists and understanding what you love are all part of the adventure.
And if you are not ready to buy anything, there is absolutely no reason to feel pressured. You can simply enjoy the exhibition, take inspiration from what you see and return another time.
My first Affordable Art Fair as a homeowner
This year, however, I approached the fair with a different mindset.
For the first time, I am a homeowner, which means that those blank walls around the house are no longer just blank walls. They are opportunities!
As I wandered between the stands, I found myself imagining how different artworks might look in my home. Would that colourful painting brighten up the living room? Could that print work beautifully in the hallway? What about a striking piece that would become the focal point of an entire room?
Suddenly, admiring art came with a new dimension. I was not simply looking at beautiful things; I was imagining living with them.
And there was certainly no shortage of inspiration. I saw so many pieces I loved that making a decision proved almost impossible. Every time I thought I had found a favourite, another artwork caught my attention.
In the end, I did not make a purchase. But I did returned home with a collection of artists’ names, gallery details and ideas. Gallerists, I’ll come back to you!
Perhaps that was the wisest decision. Buying art for your home is personal, and I would rather take my time finding a piece that genuinely speaks to me than rush into a purchase simply because I am surrounded by beautiful things.
Still, I have a white wall waiting to be filled, so the hunt is definitely not over!
More than an exhibition: a lovely day out
One of the reasons I keep returning to the Affordable Art Fair is that it can be whatever you want it to be.
In previous years, I have often visited on my own. I love exploring exhibitions at my own pace, stopping wherever something catches my eye and losing track of time without having to worry about anyone else. There is something wonderfully liberating about being able to follow your curiosity.
This autumn, though, I decided to share the experience with a friend. I wanted to make the visit a little more sociable, too, and I am delighted that I did.
We wandered around the exhibition together, exchanged opinions about the works we liked and occasionally disagreed about which pieces deserved the most attention. It was lovely to see the fair through someone else’s eyes. Art is such a personal experience, and discussing what we liked — and why — made the visit even more enjoyable.
Naturally, we also made time for a little indulgence.
We stopped at the central bar for a glass of prosecco each, adding a touch of sparkle to our art-filled afternoon. It was the perfect excuse to pause, chat about our discoveries and recharge before continuing our exploration.
After we had finished browsing, we headed upstairs for a well-deserved cup of tea and a slice of cake. The view of Battersea Park, dressed in its beautiful autumn colours, provided a lovely backdrop to the end of our visit.
Art, friendship, prosecco, tea and cake: what more could a girl ask for?
It reminded me that exhibitions do not always have to be solitary, serious experiences. They can also be wonderful opportunities to spend quality time with friends, discover something new together and enjoy a change of scenery.
A fair with plenty to discover
Beyond the individual galleries, the autumn 2026 edition offered several special features that made the experience even richer.
One of the highlights was the annual Graduates Exhibition, curated by art historian Jo McLaughlin. Featuring emerging artists selected from art schools across the UK, it offered visitors the chance to discover exciting new talent and perhaps find an artist whose career they could follow from the very beginning.
The fair also featured a striking installation, House of Cards, by programme artist Charles Inge. Standing approximately 5.5 metres tall, it provided a memorable introduction to the exhibition and explored ideas of beauty and fragility through the artist’s distinctive visual language.
There were also curated displays celebrating Black British artists, alongside workshops and special evening events. These additional elements helped make the fair feel like a lively creative destination rather than simply a collection of stands selling artwork.
For families, the weekend programme included dedicated Family Mornings, with creative activities designed to introduce younger visitors to art and making. It is a lovely reminder that an appreciation of creativity can begin at any age.
I particularly like this inclusive approach. Art should be something we experience, talk about and enjoy, rather than something we admire from a distance because we think it is not for us.
Battersea Park: the perfect setting for an autumn art date
The location is another reason why I love this event.
The fair takes place at Evolution London in Battersea Park, a convenient London setting that feels especially inviting in autumn. After spending hours surrounded by colour and creativity indoors, it is wonderful to be able to look out over the park and enjoy the changing season.
October is a lovely time to visit. The autumn foliage provides its own natural artwork, with golden leaves, warm colours and that unmistakable seasonal atmosphere.
The venue is also accessible by public transport, with Battersea Power Station and Sloane Square among the nearest Underground stations. Visitors can also reach the area by bus or train, making it a practical choice for a day out in the capital.
My advice? Give yourself plenty of time. This is not an exhibition to rush through in half an hour. With so many galleries and artworks to explore, you will want to wander, stop, look again and perhaps return to a stand that caught your attention earlier.
And do leave time for a refreshment break. A little pause between art discoveries makes the whole experience feel even more enjoyable.
My verdict: an autumn tradition worth keeping
I have visited the Affordable Art Fair for years, and it remains one of my favourite recurring events in London’s cultural calendar.
What I love most is its combination of variety, accessibility and discovery. You can visit simply to admire beautiful art, learn more about contemporary artists, support emerging talent or find that special piece you have been looking for. You might arrive with a clear idea of what you want to buy, or you might leave with nothing more than a head full of inspiration. Both are perfectly valid outcomes.
This year’s visit was particularly memorable because I experienced the fair in a new way. Becoming a homeowner has made me look at art differently, and I suspect that future visits will involve even more deliberation over which pieces deserve a place on my walls.
For now, my white wall is still waiting. But I have names to investigate, galleries to revisit and plenty of ideas to consider.
And I have also discovered that sharing the experience with a friend, adding a glass of prosecco and finishing with tea and cake overlooking the autumn leaves can turn an art exhibition into a truly lovely day out.
My next date with art is already in the diary, at least in spirit! The Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea twice a year, and I am already looking forward to the spring edition.
Because, whether I go home with a new artwork or simply a new favourite artist, one thing is certain: I will never say no to another opportunity to fall in love with art.
Hi, I’m Francesca! I live in central London and I’m rarely home — there’s always a gallery, gig, or show pulling me out the door. My real loves are music, art and theatre, but I’m just as happy exploring history, sport, or whatever’s newly opened and worth talking about. I’m on a constant search for London’s most enriching experiences, big and small, and I’m here to help you find them too.
