Galleries - November 2016

There are many questions directed at new art fairs . . . co-founder of Fresh: Anthony Wardle, has the answers. What’s fresh about Fresh? “Well, quite a lot. Most important is that Fresh: is the first major contemporary art fair in the Heart of England. There are no major fairs between London and Manchester, nothing serving Birmingham nor the populous and prosperous Cotswolds. There are ten county towns and cities, and 5.4 million people within an easy drive of Cheltenham. Half a million flock to its Literature, Music and Racing Festivals each year. It’s time art lovers in or near this region had an Art Fair of their own.” At the Racecourse? “Most art fairs are in city centres so it’s either public transport or parking problems. Cheltenham Racecourse is a fantastic venue less than ten minutes off the M5with 10,000 free parking spaces. If you buy a painting or two you just put them in the boot of your car and drive away. And before you ask, there’s no racing.” Who is Fresh: for? “With the possible exception of the super-rich, Fresh: is for everyone, for all tastes and for all budgets. It’s for people who buy art to live with and to give lasting pleasure. It’s for people who collect art for the love of it, with a discerning eye for an asset. And it’s for people who may be new to art who can sometimes find visiting galleries a little intimidating or who simply lack the time to drive around half a dozen of them when they can visit Fresh: and see 45in a couple of hours.” What can they expect? “The unexpected. There are too many art fairs with the same exhibitors showing the same work. Fresh: will host some of Britain’s best galleries that choose not to exhibit widely at art fairs. We’ll also host some of the best of the UK and overseas art fair regulars. Frequent fair visitors can expect to see fresh faces. New visitors can expect a fascinating experience, a warm welcome and a relaxed way to see and buy art.” What about Bonhams? “People will come to Fresh: to buy contemporary art but they may also have a couple of old paintings they’d like to sell. Through our partnership with Bonhams they can bring up to three old paintings or sculpture – early 20th century or earlier – and get a free valuation from Bonhams’ experts. It’s easy. They can make room on their walls for more contemporary art and they may even find they have a treasure in the attic.” The last word? “Should go to a Gallery.” “ It’s the first time we’ve been tempted to do a provincial art fair in years .” Mathew Hall, Panter & Hall, London. F RESH: 10 GALLERIES NOVEMBER 2016 A breath of Fresh air ADVERTISING FEATURE Yuriy Ibragimov ‘Soothe’ Artshouse .co.uk, London Alan Halliday ‘Geese and Cherries’ Camburn FA, Chinon, France Edward Noott 'Sunflowers and Oranges' John Noott Gallery, Broadway