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As winter gives way to the promise of a fresh creative season, Brownston Gallery is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Fresh: Art Fair— one of London’s most exciting contemporary art events of the year. Running from 29th January (Private View) through 1st February 2026at the iconic Alexandra Palace, the fair brings together leading galleries and vibrant artistic voices from across the UK and beyond under one roof. 

What Makes Fresh: Art Fair Special

Fresh: Art Fair offers a refreshing twist on the traditional art fair format. Hosted in the grand West Hall at Alexandra Palace, the event prides itself on being inviting, accessible, and diverse— from rising contemporary stars to established names in modern art. With over 70 galleries exhibiting original works in media ranging from painting and sculpture to glass and photography, it’s a wonderful opportunity for collectors, art enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike to discover new art and engage directly with gallery representatives. 

The fair opens with an exclusive Private View on 29th January, where guests can enjoy early access to the exhibited works — often with complimentary wine and first picks of the art. Throughout the weekend, Fresh also features workshops, artist demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, making it a true celebration of creativity. 

For Brownston Gallery, this marks a significant step in expanding our reach and showcasing the exceptional talent of our artists — particularly those specialising in coastal art inspired by the rugged beauty of South West England

Why Art Fairs Are Worth It — for Galleries, Artists and Art Lovers

Art fairs like Fresh: Art Fair are about more than just exhibition space; they’re dynamic marketplaces and cultural hubs where creativity meets opportunity. But are they worth the investment of time and money? The answer — usually — is yes, when approached with clear goals and strategy. 

Exposure to Diverse Audiences

Unlike a standalone gallery exhibition, art fairs draw large, engaged audiences of collectors, art world professionals, and the general public, often from far beyond the host city. For galleries like Brownston, this means the chance to introduce your artists and their work to people who might never otherwise encounter them.  We will be taking the original artworks of Anthony Amos -  maritime, Derek  Holland - French  landscapes , Ben Lucas  - seascapes, John Grice  -  modern still lifes,  John Hurford - Psycholdelic, Fernando Asian - Surrealist, Tina Tiana - modern chinease pigmant art, Keng Wai Lee- bold modern animals and birds, Tracy Hamer - nostalgic 50's swimmers , Jerry Browning  - Abstarct , Teressa Pemberton  - her coulorful and play on light paintings ,  fauve movement and St Ives School infuluenced , Emma Carter Bromfield - original expressive Burgh Island paintings, Jo Vollers - pastal still lifes, Eleanor King -local devon watercoulors and Charles Jamieson - scottish colourist. Anne Ward - abstarct , and Lenny Cornforth - areial paintings of devon beaches and coastline.  We will also be showcasing the original sculptures of Guy Stevens,  Charlotte Cundell, Sophie Haowards horses and a beautiful sea spirit of Cornwall callled "Bucca" made by local ceramisist  Caroline Mercer.  

Sales and Long-Term Relationships

While immediate sales at a fair are a bonus, some of the most valuable outcomes are the connections galleries make with collectors and curators. These can lead to future sales, commissions, and further opportunities that extend long after the fair closes. 

Networking and Community Building

Art fairs are also social experiences. They allow gallery teams, artists, and visitors to interact face-to-face — sharing stories, insights and establishing rapport that simply isn’t possible online. This kind of engagement can deepen appreciation for the work and strengthen the gallery’s profile in the wider arts community. 

Ideal for Discovering New Artistic Voices

For visitors, fairs are a one-stop discovery space— a chance to see a wide range of styles, movements and emerging trends all in one place. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the art world, fairs make it easy to explore and learn. 

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A Showcase for Coastal Contemporary Art

Brownston Art Gallery’s participation at Fresh: Art Fair is more than just a first art fair appearance — it’s a moment to celebrate the rich coastal heritage and contemporary spirit of artists from South West England. These works, often inspired by wind-swept shores, changing tides and dramatic seascapes, resonate with art lovers who seek both intellectual depth and visual beauty.

Bringing this unique artistic voice into the London art scene will not only broaden our gallery’s audience but also underscore the importance of regional perspectives in contemporary art.

Art fairs are intense, exhilarating, and potentially transformative experiences — both for galleries taking part and for the people who visit. They demand preparation, energy, and investment, but the rewards — in visibility, connections, and creative exchange — can be well worth it.

So whether you’re planning to attend Fresh: Art Fair at Alexandra Palace or simply curious about the vibrant world of contemporary art, this event promises a rich and inspiring experience. We hope to see you there! 

I feel extremely fortunate to own The Brownston Gallery, not least because it is such a fabulous space – light and airy with large walls to display the artwork created by our incredibly talented resident and guest artists – with the added bonus of having a secluded courtyard out the back which is perfect for showing larger sculptures and wirework.

Visiting galleries has always been a favourite past-time for me, not just because I love art and the stories each piece tells, but I find the whole experience both absorbing and relaxing.   

At a time when environmental concerns increasingly shape our global consciousness, artists are stepping forward to interpret, challenge, and inspire our relationship with the natural world. Among these important creative voices is Emma Lamb, a Devon-based artist whose work blends ecological awareness with exceptional craft. Her art not only celebrates the beauty of the environment but also reflects the urgent issues facing our planet today. Visitors can discover and purchase her work at The Brownston Art Gallery, in Modbury in Devon, a leading contemporary art gallery in the South West.