The London Original Print Fair - Friday Favourite

We, here at The Amazing Blog, are always on the hunt for fabulous, unique and special events around the capital for you to enjoy and this week is no different. For four days only (!) The Royal Academy of Arts is hosting the London Original Print Fair, London’s longest-running art fair. It is full of beautiful, whimsical and thought-provoking prints that you won’t be able to tear your eyes away.

This fair offers a remarkable opportunity to experience and appreciate works from every period of printmaking. From the earliest woodcuts of Dürer to the silk screens of modern contemporaries, this fair gives insight into the evolution and changing fashions of the print world. Allowing, the seasoned enthusiast, curious viewer or budding collector to all share an experience and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of this artistic method.

The exhibition is an eclectic mix of styles and artists, as renowned pieces are placed alongside new names. The variety in this print fair is breath-taking and if you don’t believe us or want to have a sneak peek then just check out their exhibitors. What's more, if you love fall in love with one of the prints, then you may even be able to purchase it for yourself! So whether you want to add to your art collection, are thinking of starting one or just want to go for a look, you will love this exhibition. With it closing on Sunday you can purchase tickets here! They are free for Friends of the RA, £12 for adults and free for under 16s!

Chelsea Art Fair

The Chelsea Art Fair is turning 21 this year! We at The Amazing Blog are quite big fans of the arts, so we will definitely be making our way over to Chelsea Old Town Hall between the 21st and 24th of April.

The fair will feature 30 UK and International galleries showcasing the works of leading and emerging artists including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and ceramics. With no ceiling on the price of the works, this fair is sure to have the most exceptional pieces.

If you’re looking for a special new piece for your home or a limited edition print, head over to Chelsea Old Town Hall. Admission tickets are priced at £6. Be sure to see their website for more information!  

Zandra Rhodes: Unseen

It is finally starting to feel like summer! And not a moment too soon. Here at The Amazing Blog, we have been soaking up the sun and baring our legs in our favourite summer fashions.  Speaking of fashion, a captivating exhibition is taking place right here in London this summer. The Fashion and Textile Museum presents Zandra Rhodes: Unseen.

Zandra Rhodes: Unseen will take you on a journey into the designer's lush career and electric personality through her archives, studio, and creative pieces. Patrons receive an opportunity to view never before seen runway looks. All patrons will be amazed by the “Spectacular textiles, ravishing dresses, and her original sketches”.

Going along with the launch of Zandra Rhodes: Unseen, The Fashion and Textile museum is also celebrating its 10^th anniversary and opening the Zandra Digital Study Collection. Founder, Zandra Rhodes, dedicated the museum to showcase the development in the fashion industry. It helps provide inspiration, support and training for those working in fashion. The Digital Study Collection will create an education community through a collaborative project between the Zandra Rhodes Studio and the University for the Creative Arts (UCA).

Zandra Rhodes: Unseen begins July 12 (today!) and runs through August 31. The exhibit will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00-18:00 each day with the last entry at 17:15. So do not miss out! Tickets are available at £8 for adults, £5.50 for students and free for those under 12. If you are looking for inspiration and insight into the world of fashion make your way down to the Fashion and Textile Museum, and admire a woman’s work that put London on the fashion map. Visit their website for any more information and directions to the museum.

Crafty Fox Easter Market

Every year as spring slowly rolls around again, I begin to let my inner creativity come out. As Easter quickly approaches, Crafty Fox Markets are hosting a special event this weekend. At The Amazing Blog we try to attend something that is going on in London every weekend, while we have free time to ourselves. Many of my friends have told me that Crafty Fox Market is unique and fabulous with something for everyone – I surely will not leave empty handed.

During March 23^rd and 24^th there will be around 100 designers set up with their handmade crafts and art work at The Dogster in Brixton. Each of these designers are hand picked to represent their crafts and go through a thorough selection process in order to gain a spot.

Each of these designers display their handmade and unique crafts for only one day, in order to allow other designers to showcase their crafts on the second day of the market. As you walk around the market you will notice a foxy theme. You cannot go wrong with this craft market as you can pick up cards, prints, jewellery and homeware.

Some designers showcased on Saturday include Yas-Ming Ceramics, Superfumi, Hope and Eden, and Lucie Ellen provide you with homeware, unique toys, ceramics, and stationary.

New designers that are showcased on Sunday include Jimbobart, Agata Duda, Kirstin Stride, and Georgia Bosson offer eclectic cushions, hand drawn jewellery, and expressive animal drawings.

This market is spread out across three floors of the Dogstar and if you are feeling inspired after shopping around, attend a screen-printing workshop for only £5 and let your inner creativity shine. Feeling a bit hungry or thirsty after a full day of shopping? Stop in Tea’s Knees pop-up shop and indulge with the best British cream teas, cake, and sandwiches.

Come out either Saturday or Sunday from 11am until 5pm to discover new and exciting artistic pieces of work at Dogster. View the different designers and stalls here to have an overview of exactly which people will be displaying what on Saturday and Sunday. Families are more than welcome to come with their children and spend the day browsing, eating, and drinking. I have no doubt in my mind that Crafty Fox Easter Market will surpass my expectations from the reviews I have received.

London International Antiquarian Book Fair

If you’re anything like me, you’ll use any excuse to read. Take this wonderful weather for example (have I mentioned how glorious the weather is?!), grabbing a book, a nice cold drink and a chair in the sun is my idea of heaven. So for all you bookworms out there, and non bookworms, this weekend’s London International Antiquarian Book Fair in Olympia is for you. And The Amazing Blog's very own Lucy (of Lucy’s Mondays fame) has her own book loving blog, www.theunlikelybookworm.com, so you can be sure to catch her perusing the stalls at the fair. This book fair is a book lovers dream – in its 55^th year it shows no sign of slowing down. Considering the current decline of book sales, this fair is an impressive testament to book lovers everywhere. The fair attracts over 160 booksellers from around the globe – ranging from illustrated books, manuscripts, fine bindings, maps, prints, photography, books from the 15^th century to today, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for more of an educational day out there are a variety of lectures for you to attend. And if you’re just looking to look at some historical and beautiful pieces, there are guided tours for you to see all the reassures on display.

If you’re an experienced Antiquarian Book buyer or just starting out, the fair is a brilliant place to make a stop at for any area of your book collection. The fair has an unparalleled array of books, perfect for collectors and newcomers alike, the books on sale and on show welcome all visitors. So whether you’re looking to add to your collection or just add some style to your house, the Antiquarian Book Fair is the place to be this weekend, don’t let another year pass before you attend!