As Miranda Jessop gets ready to visit Battersea Affordable Art Fair this month, founder Will Ramsay reflects on over 25 years in the business...
How it started:
I have always loved art and often visited galleries when I was a child, but when I became an adult, I remember feeling frustrated by how exclusive commercial galleries felt.
There was no pricing, and there was little information about the artwork or artist. Art brings so much to people’s lives, and yet so many people are being excluded. I wanted to change that.
Spinach
The beginnings:
After I left the army in 1996, I set up my first gallery, Will’s Art Warehouse in Parsons Green, in a bid to make art-buying more inclusive. The response was overwhelmingly positive – people loved the informality, the support and the education.
I decided to take it a step further, and the very first Affordable Art Fair opened in Battersea in 1999. I was so nervous that we weren’t going to have enough exhibitors, but somehow, amazingly, it worked, and we had 10,000 visitors.
Fast forward to today:
We now host fairs in 14 cities around the world. We make sure each one reflects the personality of the city and the local art scene. Staying relevant is vital to us, so we’re always seeking out exciting new galleries and progressive artists.
Over the years, we’ve had the enormous privilege of working with thousands of emerging artists. I love hearing how sales at a fair have encouraged an artist to go full-time or rent a studio. Some artists have even gone on to hit the big time and become household names.
SGP
Giving back:
Since the beginning, it has been important to me to ensure that each of our fairs gives something back. All have a charitable element, whether that’s supporting young artists, providing art education, or helping art therapy charities.
Advice for first-time buyers:
Support the artists whose creativity inspires you. Don’t be afraid to ask about the artist; it helps you to appreciate their work on a deeper level. Through our fairs, we aim to make art accessible and affordable to all; anyone should be able to own and enjoy art, which is why everyone is welcome.
WIN!
The Art Agency is offering readers the chance to win one of five pairs of complimentary tickets (worth £28 a pair) to the Affordable Art Fair, Battersea for details. Closing date Oct 9. Enter here.
SGP
The Art Agency at AAF Battersea Stand B7
The Art Agency in Cobham has been exhibiting at the Affordable Art Fair for over 10 years. This October, it is bringing collections from some of its most popular artists, including local favourite Jo Quigley, known for her instantly recognisable South Bank scenes; Paul Treasure with his richly textured palette knife landscapes; Robert Pereira Hind, whose gold leaf artwork explores the natural world and American still-life artist Lynn Johnson, showing at Battersea for the first time.
Founded by longtime friends Alison Ramsay and Emma Riley, The Art Agency has been part of the local art scene since 2011. After more than a decade on Esher High Street, it moved to Cobham in 2024.
From home visits and artwork trials to bespoke commissions, it helps clients connect personally with art and find pieces to fit their space and style.
Battersea Affordable Art Fair, October 15-19. affordableartfair.com/fairs/london-battersea-autumn
