London’s Longest-Running Art Fair, Dedicated to Prints, Celebrates 40 Years

Gallery owner Dario Illari stands on a step ladder to look at Smiley Faces entitled "Memoirs of my Nervous Illness" by British artist Jake Chapman during preparation work ahead of the London Original Print Fair at Somerset House in London on March 19, 2025. (Adrian Dennis / AFP)
Gallery owner Dario Illari stands on a step ladder to look at Smiley Faces entitled "Memoirs of my Nervous Illness" by British artist Jake Chapman during preparation work ahead of the London Original Print Fair at Somerset House in London on March 19, 2025. (Adrian Dennis / AFP)
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London’s Longest-Running Art Fair, Dedicated to Prints, Celebrates 40 Years

Gallery owner Dario Illari stands on a step ladder to look at Smiley Faces entitled "Memoirs of my Nervous Illness" by British artist Jake Chapman during preparation work ahead of the London Original Print Fair at Somerset House in London on March 19, 2025. (Adrian Dennis / AFP)
Gallery owner Dario Illari stands on a step ladder to look at Smiley Faces entitled "Memoirs of my Nervous Illness" by British artist Jake Chapman during preparation work ahead of the London Original Print Fair at Somerset House in London on March 19, 2025. (Adrian Dennis / AFP)

The London Original Print Fair, the British capital's longest-running art fair, celebrates its 40th anniversary this week with an array of works spanning from Old Masters to contemporary creations.

Running March 20-23 at Somerset House, this year's edition features more than 40 studios, dealers and publishers with displayed works including by the likes of Damien Hirst, Tom Hammick and Grayson Perry as well as emerging talent and up-and-coming names from around the world.

The fair, which launched in June 1985 with 16 exhibitors, has long offered fans the chance to view and buy prints, considered more affordable than paintings and sculptures.

"Prints have become much more widely trusted," director Helen Rosslyn told Reuters.

"I think people are realizing that print is not just a reproduction, it's something that's made in collaboration with the artist and a printer."



Abu Dhabi Gears Up to Host International Jazz Day 2025 Celebrations

The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives. Photo: WAM
The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives. Photo: WAM
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Abu Dhabi Gears Up to Host International Jazz Day 2025 Celebrations

The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives. Photo: WAM
The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives. Photo: WAM

Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day, a global event celebrated annually on April 30 in over 190 countries around the world, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Abu Dhabi has been selected as the Global Host City for this special celebration, which is organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), WAM said.

The event will include a variety of concerts and educational and cultural initiatives, aimed at highlighting the impact of jazz music as a tool for artistic expression and creative freedom.

"We are delighted to celebrate International Jazz Day in Abu Dhabi, a city that has been designated a 'City of Music' by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This year’s edition will focus on Abu Dhabi’s creativity and rich heritage, while showcasing jazz’s ability to connect communities and promote dialogue and peace across continents,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

She added: "As a 'City of Music', Abu Dhabi is preparing to be a vibrant hub for this global celebration. Hosting the event will spotlight the city’s commitment to cultural exchange, education, and diversity, and it will play a central role in preserving and spreading jazz music in the region."

DCT Abu Dhabi will organize a five-week series of jazz concerts and educational programs, including the International Jazz Day 2025 “All-Star” Global Concert, which will be broadcast internationally from Etihad Arena, said WAM.

"By hosting International Jazz Day for the first time in its history, Abu Dhabi is achieving a milestone that complements its selection as a UNESCO 'City of Music'. This event reaffirms our commitment to promoting cultural unity, peace, and mutual understanding, and it is an opportunity to celebrate talented and creative musicians,” WAM quoted Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak as saying.

He added that the concert, led by legendary pianist Herbie Hancock and Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, will feature a lineup of jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the world, including performers from the UAE, US, China, Morocco, India, and many other countries.

More artist names will be announced in the coming weeks.