Fairs
Battersea Spring: Print and Photography Guide
To help make your art collecting journey a breeze, we've been busy selecting a stand-out collection of pieces for our Print and Photography Guide - we hope you discover something you will treasure forever.
Katie Bone
Wednesday 1 March, 2023
Welcome to our Print and Photography guide! We’ve designed a route through the fair to help you find the next gem in your art collection.
The number of terms and categories associated to printmaking can be overwhelming to even the most experienced of art enthusiasts. Let’s define printmaking simply: Printmaking involves the production of images by techniques of multiplication – often by applying ink to a surface, which is then transferred to make multiple images. It’s a unique, evocative medium which blends technical skill with creativity. Printmaking dates back centuries, with the earliest known woodcut print made during the Han Dynasty era in China around 206BC! Since then, printmaking has developed into an increasingly sophisticated and diverse artistic medium. There are four main types to know today: woodcut, etching, engraving, and lithography, but some artists combine two or more of these to make one-of-a-kind prints (some of which you’ll see at our spring fair!).
Like printmaking, photography enables the reproduction of an image multiple times. Since the invention of the Daguerreotype in 1837, society changed beyond what anyone could imagine. Photography liberated the need for painters to be realistic, it gave widespread access to portraits (which were in extremely high demand during the 19th century!), and it provided a window into other worlds. Photography is, and has always been, an incredibly powerful medium, able to ignite strong emotions. We stand with Fred R. Barnard when he said “a picture is worth a thousand words”.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in with our Print and Photography guide to the Battersea spring fair.
1. The Drugstore Gallery, Stand A6
In an increasingly fast-paced world, photography has the power to stop time, moving us so powerfully in a way that transcends language and culture. Barry Cawston’s photography does just that, so there’s no better place to begin than at The Drugstore Gallery (A6), discovering his vibrant, evocative photographs. No matter what his subject – interiors, cityscapes, landscapes, forests, you name it – Barry transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
2. Art Friend, Stand C9
Now let’s cross the aisle to Art Friend (C9) to find botanical brilliance by Lucille Clerc, who specialises in hand drawings which she develops into encapsulating screenprints – a process requiring time, precision, and meticulousness. You might have come across Lucille’s work before in The Great Pagoda, Kew Gardens as she was commissioned to design and illustrate a humongous 5×21 meter long mural! Lucille has also produced work for the likes of Dior, Fortnum and Mason, The Palace of Versailles, and HRH King Charles. She’s a must-see.
Craig Keenan’s prints are likewise not to be missed at Art Friend (C9). His printing process involves mixing chemicals together which creates a dreamy cobalt blue when exposed to light. To date, Craig has exhibited alongside the likes of Damien Hurst, The Connor Brothers, and Quentin Blake, as well as having collaborated with Lee Black Childers to produce images of Andy Warhol and David Bowie!
3. Hanga Ten Contemporary Japanese Prints, Stand D6
Cross the aisle to Hanga Ten (D6) to discover the very best of Japanese printmaking.
You’ll find beautiful woodcut prints by Ohtsu Kazutuki, who was taught by the master himself, Saito Kiyoshi – a man considered to be one of the finest woodblock artists of the twentieth century. Although Saito’s influence can be felt in Ohtsu’s prints, Ohtsu has developed his own distinct and appealing imagery of serene settings. With over forty years of experience in the medium, his prints bear witness to the long tradition of woodblock printmaking in Japan, as well as his own superlative technical skills.
4. Will’s Art Warehouse, Stand E2
If you’re a fan of floral, head to Will’s Art Warehouse next (E2) and revel in stunning photographs by Dianna Jazwinsk, which evoke feelings of purity, love, and peace. Her radiant, close-up shots of violas, lupins, and dahlias stretch elegantly out from their dark backdrops.
5. Hancock Gallery, Stand F3
Now cross to the other side of the aisle and visit Hancock Gallery (F3) to see Kristina Chan’s prints – an artist considering ideas of time and place through her work. For Kristina, print is a medium steeped in all aspects of history, and it’s this layering of experiences that she expresses through her work. It’s evocative yet painterly, evoking a strong sense of history and place.
Kristina’s work has captured the attention of many, including our Fair Director, Hugo Barclay, who highlighted her prints in The Director’s Cut for their ability to profoundly move the viewer.
6. North London Printmakers, Stand E9
Continue to the end of the aisle and see fair favourites North London Printmakers (E9). Discover work by their newest recruit Ewan Taylor (aka Redbellyboy). He’s influenced by pop culture, graphic design, and loud music, resulting in bright, bold, and often humorous pieces. Last year, Ewan’s sell-out print ‘Women of The World Take Over’ was selected by Grayson Perry for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. A gold version of this print will be available especially at the fair!
7. The Tolman Collection, Stand I6
Next is a gallery which has been in business for 51 years, specialising in Japanese prints of museum quality… amble around the corner and go past Own Art’s stand to find The Tolman Collection, representing a range of prints by internationally acclaimed Japanese artists! You’ll discover rich woodblock prints by Yoshikatsu Tamekane, who explores themes of time and space in his work. His titles reflect his philosophy: savour the past and look forward to the future as a time of hope. Yoshikatsu’s layers rich textural materials to his woodblock prints (such as string, resinous gym, and paper), before collaging onto the surface of a block, creating a raised surface which he then inks and uses as a relief block. His combination of composition, texture, and colour creates visions of unforgettable beauty.
8. Peter Fetterman Gallery, Stand L3
Last (but certainly not least) is Peter Fetterman Gallery (L3). This gallery specialises in contemporary and vintage fine art photography! Simply take a right right and walk to the far side of the fair to discover their huge range. Cig Harvey is one to look out for. Her work is rich in implied narrative, saturated in colour, and deeply devoted to the natural world.
Thanks for taking part in our Print and Photography Guide. Snap up your tickets today to be one step closer to finding your new favourite piece to add to your collection!
