by Toni Dabbs

British modern art has seen a surge in popularity in recent decades. It is hard to say whether the 20/21 British Art Fair is responsible for that popularity or whether that popularity created a need for the fair. Whichever is the case, the 20/21 British Art Fair celebrates its 20th anniversary September 11 - 16, 2007, at the Royal College of Art in London, England.

The fair specializes exclusively in British art from 1900 to the present day, including paintings, prints, photography, sculptures and ceramics. Some 56 of the United Kingdom’s leading art dealers are expected to exhibit works by such well established artists as Lucian Freud, Elisabeth Frink, Terry Frost, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, L S Lowry, Henry Moore, Paul Nash, John Piper, William Scott and Graham Sutherland. However, efforts by contemporary artists who have not yet secured international reputations (e.g, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Roy Grayson and Grayson Perry) also will be shown. All works will be for sale, with prices ranging from a few hundred to many thousands of pounds.

The annual fair is held at the Royal College, the spiritual home of modern and contemporary British art. For five days under one roof, it gives prospective buyers a one-stop opportunity to get an overview of the existing market, to learn about the artists and their works, and to talk to experts on the subject. Meeting the dealers is important, because they can explain how the values of works are determined by such criteria as artist, subject, quality and condition, plus perceptions and tastes which might change over time.