‘From major names (think Tracey Emin, Grayson Perry, David Shrigley, Paula Rego, and the Chapman Brothers) to rising stars, there are a host of inspiring prints to peruse and purchase–many at accessible price points for budding art enthusiasts’–Tatler.
The 9th Edition of Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair opens 21-24 November 2024 at Woolwich Works in London’s historic Royal Arsenal. The leading international art fair for original contemporary print, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, presents a unique alternative model that is revolutionising the traditional art market, disrupting the elitist nature of art fairs, and pushing the boundaries of print.
The global art platform hosts 50% specialist galleries alongside 50% independent artists selected by industry experts from an international artist open call who sit alongside celebrated names and ambitious works in our Curated Hang.
Delivering innovative programming and driving social impact through progressive outreach initiatives, WCPF nurtures early-stage collectors and provides significant opportunities for artists worldwide. It is the pioneer in championing contemporary print, challenging misconceptions of what print is and situates the medium within a wider contemporary art conversation.
Together with artists, creatives, collectors, visitors and the next generation of art lovers, Woolwich Contemporary amalgamates the best in international fairs while curating multiple access points for all audiences to enjoy an authentic fine art experience.
“We are so excited to be welcoming back old friends and introducing new faces for 2024. In anticipation of our big 10th year in 2025, we are working with some exciting partners to give a taster of what’s to come with new releases and big names, while the introduction of a very special VIP programme has really refined our offering for this autumn. We are delighted to partner up for a second year with interior design charity, United in Design, whose outreach and objectives very much parallel our own in providing a platform for young people and emerging creatives; while our philanthropic project, Young London Print Prize will expand again to deliver fine art workshops to over 2000 primary school children across some of London’s disadvantaged boroughs.” – Lizzie Glendinning, Co- Founder.
This year sees the return of Fair favourites, and welcomes some new exhibitors. Confirmed names include Anise Gallery, Art School Prints who make their debut at the Fair with Harry Cartwright, Daisy Jarrett and Amy Wiggin, Atelier Rose & Gray, Brocket Gallery who will show Cat Roissetter, Natasha Michaels, Sergio Suarez, Jake Garfield, and Eleanor May Watson, Blue Shop Gallery, Centre for Print Research who are bringing James Healey, Mi Ding, and Ebony G Patterson, Eames Fine Art, East London Printmakers who will show Zoltan Marfy, Ruth Blanke, Conni Johnson, and Helen Elizabeth, Graphic Studio Dublin, Jealous who return to the Fair with David Shrigley, Stanley Donwood, and Ben Kelly.
Julian Page, Long and Ryle who are bringing Cliona Doyle, Ramiro Fernandez Saus, Eddie Howard, and Melanie Miller, Oliver Projects presenting Suzanne Moxhay, Temsuyanger Longkumer, Heidrun Rathgeb, and Joseph Goody, Paul Stolper Gallery who will bring Helen Beard and Brian Eno, Paupers Press, Rabley Gallery, Rhodes Editions who will show Nick Smith, Cat Spilman, Raffael Bader, Morag Caister, and Camilla Perkins, a Woolwich debut for Soho Revue, TAG Fine Arts bringing Katsutoshi Yuasa, Tobias Till, and Felicity Warbrick, Thames-Side Print Studio and Wrong Shop debuting at the Fair with Ronan Bouroullec, Nathalie Du Pasquier, Martin Boyce, and Duggie Fields.
The annual Curated Hang brings high quality, new and unexpected work into the Fair, while platforming independent, up-and-coming, global artists. To keep the selection completely democratic and fresh for each edition, the selection panel of industry experts changes annually, and the works are carefully reviewed individually, anonymously on a piece-by-piece basis. This year they welcome a truly international panel including interior designer, Tolu Adèckó, celebrated US artist, Simonette Quamina as well as leading international collectors and institutions including the Royal College of Art and Bonhams.
ART THAT MAKES AN IMPRINT
For 2024 the Fair has partnered with Printed Editions to present The Director’s Cut, a special online-only print drop on 18 July – 15 August. It features an extended selection of Open Call artworks shortlisted by the Fair’s panel of industry experts at the final judging stage.
WCPF will host its New Collectors’ Evening on Thursday 21 November, offering an inclusive experience for both new and seasoned collectors to take in the Fair with walking tours, a live DJ set and a return performance from the popular Art Laughs collective.
The 9th edition will also bring many firsts for the Fair, with the inception of the WCPF Public Art Trail. Launching one week prior to the opening, free for all and featuring exceptional installation works presented locally in the area around Woolwich Works the trail gives visitors and local residents the chance to enjoy groundbreaking public art in the historic surroundings of London’s Royal Arsenal.
2024 will see many fresh features including the introduction of a VIP ticket option which includes access to the bespoke UiD designed lounge, exclusive events and early access to limited edition releases, as well as a broader programme of expert-led artist talks and events, curated in partnership with CURA Art director and co-founder Georgia Powell.
As a leading platform for revolutionising print within the art world, November’s Fair will share the most exciting new developments in print technology, from 3-D printed work, automated reality, and traditional paper and fabricated pieces, showcasing the most pioneering, boundary-pushing creative work in this field.
After a hugely successful debut in 2023, WCPF will once again partner with United in Design. Showcasing an exclusive booth, designed and presented by an emerging interior design talent, the collaboration with UiD amplifies the diversity and inclusivity at the heart of WCPF’s ethos.
Established by designers Alexandria Dauley and Sophie Ashby, United in Design’s ongoing mission is to offer an equal opportunity pathway for entry into the Interior Design industry for people from Black, Asian, ethnic minority and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The UiD partnership with WCPF works to platform emerging design talent, selected by a panel of industry experts, by providing support in the creative process and a booth at the annual Fair to showcase their design vision. The 2023 WCPF X UiD design booth platformed the impressive talents of Yeji Son, following her placement with David Collins Studio earlier in the year.
“We always look forward to when a United in Design apprentice joins the studio, as we know that we are going to be working alongside some incredible talent.” – David Collins
Each year, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair offers international open call applicants the opportunity to present a proposal for an ambitious, large-scale print-based installation that pushes the possibilities of printmaking, challenges preconceptions of what a print is, and discovers new innovative approaches to print display and exhibition. This year Atlanta based multi-disciplinary artist Sergio Suarez, whose practice spans ceramics, painting and printmaking, will be working on a bespoke piece that will be unveiled at the Fair.
ARTFULLY GIFTING THIS CHRISTMAS
The Fair takes place only a month before Christmas this year, so it is the ideal opportunity to find a unique gift for the art lovers in your life. Whether you’re looking for works by major print artists like David Shrigley, known for his distinctive and humorous drawings, culturally iconic artists like Stanley Donwood, famous for his collaboration with the band Radiohead creating their album covers and artwork, or are intrigued by pieces from new rising stars which the Fair is celebrated for championing, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair is the place to discover a diverse range of original artworks to suit all budgets and tastes for your discerning loved ones.
Established by gallerists Jack Bullen and Lizzie Glendinning, WCPF presents a truly distinctive art fair environment, as accessible as it is specialist, catering to budding art enthusiasts and seasoned art collectors alike. Located at London’s historic Royal Arsenal, the Fair is now easily reachable from Central London via the Elizabeth Line. The go-to destination for contemporary print.
For artists. For galleries. For collectors. For life.
