British Art Fair 2025: A Celebration of British Art at Saatchi Gallery
From 25–28 September 2025, the British Art Fair made its much-anticipated return to the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. Known as one of the UK’s most important art fairs, this year’s edition offered an exciting mix of modern masters, contemporary voices, and innovative presentations. Among the guests at the VIP opening of the fair on September 25 was Erica Bergsmeds, creative director and founder of Blowout Magazine.
With leading dealers from across the UK, the fair offers collectors and visitors a chance to explore works by both legendary British artists and emerging talent shaping the art market today.
The Legacy of the British Art Fair
Since its founding in 1988, and originally called the 20th Century British Art Fair , the British Art Fair has served as the UK's only dedicated fair for modern and contemporary British art. Set in the vibrant surroundings of Chelsea, the Saatchi Gallery provides the perfect stage for a fair that celebrates the richness and diversity of British art.
Visitors can expect to see works from iconic figures such as Frank Auerbach, John Craxton, Tracey Emin, Terry Frost, Barbara Hepworth, Damien Hirst, Ivon Hitchens, David Hockney, Albert Irvin, Gwen John, L.S. Lowry, Henry Moore, John Piper, Paula Rego, Bridget Riley, William Scott, and Stanley Spencer.
Highlights from Cynthia Corbett Gallery
A standout section at the 2025 edition is the presentation by the Cynthia Corbett Gallery, which features two exciting artists: Deborah Azzopardi and Cristina Schek.
Deborah Azzopardi: Pop Art with a British Twist
Deborah Azzopardi (b.1958) has been a defining voice in contemporary British Pop Art. Known for her bold use of colour, playful subject matter, and instantly recognisable style, Azzopardi creates works that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
Her art draws from the graphic language of 1960s American Pop Art, echoing Roy Lichtenstein but with a distinctly British and feminine perspective. Over her four-decade career, Azzopardi has developed a style that balances humour, sensuality, and cultural commentary.
Above, DIVISION (2025), exhibited at Saatchi Gallery.
Her most iconic painting, Ssshh…, has become a globally recognised image, reproduced widely in the art world. Other works, such as One Lump Or Two? (2014) and Love Is The Answer (2016), continue to captivate audiences. As art critic Estelle Lovatt FRSA put it, “America has Lichtenstein, we have Azzopardi.”
Today, her works remain in high demand among collectors, and her practice continues to evolve while keeping her playful, narrative-driven edge.
Cristina Schek: Surrealist Photography with Power and Poise
In contrast, Cristina Schek brings a surrealist, contemporary approach to the Cynthia Corbett presentation. A Transylvanian Surrealist based in London, Schek is known for her conceptual photography that blends literature, film, and art history into richly layered compositions.
Above, She’s Been Here Before, In a Dream, (2025)
Her work moves beyond traditional portraiture, often exploring questions of identity, power, and representation. Schek describes her creative process as one of drifting between “image and imagination, where nothing stays still and everything is awake.”
Critic Estelle Lovatt FRSA praised Schek’s vision for moving away from outdated portrayals of the female muse, instead creating images that empower and inspire. Her photographs often feature lone female figures in surreal, dreamlike interiors, inviting viewers to reflect on their own narratives.
Blowout Magazine founder, Erica Bergsmeds with Schek’s works Glamarine I-IV (2025)
SOLO Contemporary and Digitalism
Beyond its impressive roster of established names, British Art Fair 2025 also champions new artistic voices. The SOLO Contemporary section will once again showcase the UK’s most talented living artists, offering visitors a glimpse of the future of British creativity.
Equally exciting is the continuation of Digitalism, a fair section launched in 2024. Focused on artists working with technology, it reflects how the boundaries of art are expanding in the digital age. Cristina Schek’s contribution captures this perfectly, blurring the line between physical image and imagined world.
Why Attend?
The British Art Fair is more than an exhibition — it is a trusted marketplace. Dealers provide expert advice, ensuring new buyers and seasoned collectors alike can make informed decisions. Learn more about how to buy and invest here.
Moreover, the atmosphere of the fair — set in the iconic Saatchi Gallery — makes it as much a cultural event as a market. As Erica Bergsmeds, founder of Blowout Magazine, noted at the VIP opening, the fair is also about community and inspiration.
2025’s Fair
The British Art Fair 2025 with its mix of iconic British masters, vibrant contemporary voices, and innovative new platforms, reflects both the heritage and future of British art.
For collectors, enthusiasts, and first-time visitors, the fair offers an unparalleled chance to experience the breadth of British creativity — all under one roof in London’s cultural heart.
