For sixteen years Collect has established itself as the vanguard of growing global appreciation for crafted objects, which are increasingly sought-after in galleries and auction rooms. With 40 galleries descending upon London – including representation for a record number of artists from South Korea – the fair is the most exciting platform to witness, purchase and commission innovative, extraordinary contemporary work by living artists.
International galleries exhibiting at Collect for the first time include: The Gallery by SOIL from Hong Kong, Gallery Sklo and Lloyd Choi Gallery from South Korea and London’s Han Collection. QUEST is also a new addition – the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust will launch its 30th anniversary year celebrations at the fair – showcasing the work of seven talented, British creatives, curated by Brian Kennedy. Savour-faire des Takumi from Japan returns, following a hiatus, and exquisite African art will be released by 50 Golborne.
Twelve individual makers/duos have been selected by an expert panel to present exceptional and conceptual new work and installations on a larger scale for Collect Open. Excitingly, for the first time, the showcase will feature three pairs of makers.
KEY FACTS:
- Produced by the British Crafts Council, Collect is the only gallery-presented art fair dedicated to modern craft and design. 40 galleries from three continents attend representing 400 artists. 50% of the galleries are from overseas. Prices start at £1,000 and go up to £100,000s.
- Works released at the Fair are by living artists – and the majority of these pieces are created especially for Collect 2020.
- Leading institutions such as the V&A Museum make acquisitions at Collect each year and February will witness breakthrough experimentation in materials and process – from glass, ceramics and metalwork to wood, paper and experimental work with mixed materials (eg, lichen on glass, intricate floral work created using beeswax and giant wall hangings of recycled paper beads). A major trend is incredible, technically astounding work in glass.
- ‘Cause-related’ fine craft is also a key theme next year – expect art which explores climate change, our interactions with nature and dementia.
- The LOEWE FOUNDATION sponsors Collect and it is likely Somerset House will be the first opportunity to see finalists for its 2020 Craft Prize under one roof – the finalists will be announced in February. For 2019, seven finalists were present at Collect 2019.
- The VIP Room, sponsored by Cox London, will be curated by award-wining interior designer Rachel Chudley.
Tickets for The International Art Fair for Modern Craft and Design: Collect 2020 can be purchased from Collect 2020.