London has always been central to the world's art scene. Areas such as Mayfair and Hoxton are littered with prestigious art galleries, but although these establishments enjoy a brisk enough trade, those who wish to buy art nowadays tend to visit fairs. Frieze, now in its third year is one of the world's hottest art fairs. Many major international players on the art scene show, but the A list crowd who attend don't just come to spend millions on art, they come to enjoy the festive and altogether fabulous, arty atmosphere.
Art Hot Spots
Mayfair
One of the classiest areas of the capital, Mayfair is not about hustle and bustle and department stores. Mayfair is about salons and boutiques with buzzers on the door. Traditionally this area that includes Bond Street and Cork Street has been home to the London art trade. Prestigious galleries to look out for in the area include Marlborough Fine Art, Daniel Katz Ltd, Sadie Coles HQ, and Hauser & Wirth Colnaghi.
Traditional
Agnews
Founded in 1817, Agnew's focuses on European old master paintings and drawings from 1200 to 1850 and British painting and watercolours from the 17th to the 20th centuries, as well as prints by French impressionist and post-impressionist artists. Regular shows take place in the Bond Street galleries.
Day and Faver
Day and Faver is a wonderful gallery set up in 1970 by former Sotheby's Head of Old Master Drawings Richards Day. He specialises in Italian drawings from the 15th to 17th centuries and Dutch 17th century works. Anyone is welcome to visit the gallery. However it is advisable to arrange an appointment in advance.
Contemporary
White Cube
Art dealer Jay Jopling, husband of artist Sam Taylor-Wood, set up his ground-breaking Hoxton gallery White Cube in 1993 and it is now one of the most influential and high-profile dealers in contemporary art on the international scene. The controversial modern artists shown here include Gilbert and George, Tracey Emin and Gavin Turk.
Marlborough Fine Art
Since opening in 1946, Marlborough Fine Art has established itself as a leading dealer in contemporary paintings and sculpture. The exclusive gallery, just off Piccadilly, hosts between six and eight exhibitions annually showcasing the likes of Picasso and Paula Rego.
Photography
Hamiltons Gallery
Widely considered to be Europe's foremost private photography gallery, Hamiltons exhibits some of the leading names in the genre. Richard Avedon, David Bailey and Norman Parkinson are just some of the famous names represented. This most glamorous of galleries is owned and run by the charismatic, supermodel-dating Tim Jeffries.
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