Must See: London Fair Team’s Top Picks

Jennifer joined the Affordable Art Fair as UK Regional Managing Director in March 2018. Her previous experience includes ten years with Sotheby’s auction house as Head of European Marketing, and five years as Managing Director of Lisson Gallery. Jennifer originally moved here from the States in 1997 and made her first purchase from the Affordable Art Fair at its inaugural edition (and is now friends with the artist!).

Jennifer’s pick: Sean Durkin, Tallantyre Gallery, Stand D13
“I have an ongoing list of works on my phone that I hope to acquire at each fair!  This March, I’m going to be looking at Sean Durkin, represented by Tallantyre Gallery.  His story is fascinating:  his father stole a painting by Lowry in 1972 (but was never convicted).  As a result, Sean’s own works – in a similar style to Lowry – always include a policeman and a robber, along with other interesting elements related to the tale.  Ask the fabulous people at Tallantyre – they’ll love recounting the details!” 

Hugo joined Affordable Art Fair in spring 2022 as the Fair Director for the UK. His previous experience includes being the Programme Manager for The London Art Fair, leading the DACH partnerships team at Artsy and Founder of an independent art advisory ArtThou. Hugo brings a wealth of knowledge on programming and the international gallery ecosystem to the Hampstead and Battersea Fairs. 

Hugo’s pick: David Storey, The Stratford Gallery, Stand C2
“I’m looking forward to seeing David Storey’s work at the fair. I’m especially drawn to his emotionally charged figures, which feel like echoes of half-remembered people and places. The way he creates a dialogue between subject and setting, capturing memory in such an evocative way, makes him one not to miss!” 

Carla has been carefully carving out a career in Event Management since 2007. Joining us in early 2015, she has bestowed her wealth of experience upon our UK fairs ever since! Outside of work, Carla’s spare time is filled with running around after her three gorgeous boys!

Carla’s pick: Margaux Carpentier, Art Friend, Stand I7
I’m so excited to see Margaux Carpentier’s Mother installation come to life in the atrium takeover! It’s been incredible to see this project evolve – from the initial designs back in September, to the towering presence which takes shape today. Bold, bright, and vibrant, she’s a true statement piece that sets the tone for the fair! 

Ana brings a wealth of experience to Affordable Art Fair, having recently returned to London after a sabbatical in Toronto. An arts and events professional, she has a strong background in managing large-scale international art fairs and exhibitions, with previous roles including working at galleries and, most recently, as Exhibitor Relations Manager at Frieze Art Fair. Outside of work, Ana enjoys karate, reading, and watching baseball! 

Ana’s pick: Chloé Peytermann, Galerie Fahid Taghavi, Stand G4
“This is my first Affordable Art Fair, and I am very much looking forward to meeting all the incredible galleries and artists who are joining us for the 2025 edition of Battersea Spring. I am so excited to see Chloé Peytermann at Galerie Fahid Taghavi. Her work not only reveals her skill as a ceramicist, but it also unveils magical cosmic worlds and invites the viewer to get lost in her infinite landscapes.” 

Rebecca Passmore, Marketing Manager

Bex joined the team in March 2024 from the art and museum charity sector. An experienced arts marketer, she’s keen to put her interest in marketing and brand development to good use at the fairs, and is passionate about making art as accessible to as many people as possible. Outside of work you can find her stomping through muddy fields or experimenting with cooking.

Bex’s pick: Camilla Bliss, Darl-e and the Bear, Stand C4
“I’m so intrigued by Camilla Bliss’s work, not only are the shapes and textures of the work brilliantly eye-catching, but I also love the stories around her influences, the mythology and reality. I’d so love to add her pieces to my fledgling ceramics collection! ” 

Maura Derossis, Partnerships Development Manager

Maura joined Affordable Art Fair in 2018 after completing her Masters in Modern and Contemporary Art at Christie’s. She is a keen art collector and has acquired numerous pieces from the fairs including a large-scale painting ‘The Wolf is Dead’ by Jess Quinn which reinterprets iconography from fairy tales with a surreal twist. When not immersed in the art world, Maura indulges her other passion, the world of wine, and has recently completed the WSET level 3 course.

Maura’s pick: Benjamin Rice, Reisz Gallery, Stand H1
“I am excited to rediscover the landscape work of photographer, Benjamin Rice from Reisz Gallery. His complex and captivating digital compositions take nature photography beyond the conventions of traditional imagery to offer something that is both beautiful and challenging to the gaze. Benjamin is generous with his time and fascinating to talk to about his practice, his inspiration and the intricacies of how his images come together.”

Katie joined the Affordable Art Fair in October 2022. With a BA in History of Art and experience working in contemporary art galleries and media agencies – including as a comms strategist for the powerhouse brand Apple – Katie now combines her passion for art with her communication skills, dedicated to making art more accessible to a wider audience!

Katie’s pick: Aya Haidar, Karmabank and Alfie Bowen, Capital Culture Gallery, Stand G6
“I can’t wait to see Aya Haidar’s powerful artworks in person, supporting our Charity Partner, Karmabank. As a British Lebanese artist, Aya delves into themes of labour, displacement, domesticity, womanhood, and memory, focusing on the Middle East. Her pieces will feature at Karmabank’s stand and in our Women’s History Month display, Resilience in Bloom. Aya will also host a collective embroidery workshop upstairs – complimentary with your ticket. You won’t want to miss it! 

Tatiana joined the team in February 2024. She is an artist herself and holds a BA in Fashion Design from Leeds University. With a passion for the History of Art, Tatiana has worked with both large and small fashion designers, contributing to their design and marketing teams. She’s delighted to be surrounded by beautiful artworks that inspire her every day.

Tatiana’s pick: Dean West, ARTITLEDContemporary, Stand H4
“I can’t wait to get lost in the incredible photography at ARTITLEDContemporary, stand H4. I am particularly looking forward to seeing the new work of Dean West. Seeing his large scale, theatrical photography is always a highlight for me at the fair, his new ‘Kodiak Bear #1’ is imposing and utterly stunning! It totally treads the line between terrifying and beautiful, I cannot wait to see it in real life!” 

Yasmin graduated from Norwich University of the Arts with a degree in Fine Art in 2023. Having worked on-site as a Fair Assistant at three fairs, Yasmin became Fair Coordinator in August 2024. She’s looking forward to bringing her experiences and passion for the art world to the role. “As an artist myself, I am excited to be part of a team that is dedicated to making art more accessible and affordable to all.”

Yasmine’s pick: Maddy Hodgetts, Coe Gallery, Stand L5 
“With so many beautiful artworks and galleries to explore, it’s tough to choose just one. However, I am particularly drawn to the pieces at Coe Gallery. The work they exhibit is truly special, and it’s wonderful to see stories so vividly portrayed through their art. One artist who stands out to me is Maddy Hodgetts, especially her piece ‘Buuganga.’ It’s captivating to see such a strong cultural influence conveyed through the artwork, and Maddy’s bold use of line and colour is incredibly intriguing.”