Celebrating 40 Years of Printmaking at the London Original Print Fair

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    Gathered around the family kitchen table with a cup of tea in hand, the London Original Print Fair (LOPF) team look back on how the fair began, and its journey to become an unmissable part of London's busy art calendar. As this year marks 40 years since the first small gathering of 16 exhibitors in 1985, LOPF is today a globally recognised print fair, each year bringing together over 40 of the world's leading dealers, publishers, studios and galleries (211 exhibitions over the past four decades!). But what inspired its Founder and Chairman, Gordon Cooke, to start the event in the first place?
  • “There were a group of dealers who thought that they could sell more prints through a public event to attract a new audience. Though there weren’t many art fairs at the time, the idea for an event exclusively for prints was hatched.”

    – Gordon

  • “What you can’t imagine was just how different the art market was. There just weren't any art fairs. All those print dealers used to deal from home or tiny little galleries.”

    – Helen

         LOPF 1985, Royal Academy of the Arts.

  • The early years...

    Cooke headed to see Norman Rosenthal, Exhibitions Secretary at the Royal Academy of Arts (RA) , and secured the prestigious venue as the host of the first event, and spread the word among seemingly enthusiastic dealers. 
     
    As he remembers standing at the door to the first edition of LOPF in 1985, wondering if anyone would come, he soon realised that they had awoken a passionate part of the art world. Just two years later, and with the fair’s growing popularity, Helen Rosslyn – who had specialised in prints at Christie’s – joined the team as its Director. As she looks back to her first fair, held in the top room at the RA, she recalls a full power outage. Though the event was plunged into darkness, she notes even that didn’t stop the momentum of the passion for prints, as she heard deals continuing on. 
    “In our early days we had around 20-25 exhibitors, so you could get to know all of the dealers really well. It’s always felt like a big get together for an extended family. That's played a huge part in keeping it going.”
    – Helen

  • “I think that's one of the lovely things about LOPF - so many of the artists are always there and really like to engage. There are so many loyal supporters and artists who still come, like Gavin Turk and Peter Blake. Printmaking is a process you get quite hooked on.”

    – Helen

         Artist Gavin Turk at LOPF 2024, Somerset House.
  • A safe space for print lovers...
    A strand of the art world that is known to be supportive and friendly, Alice St Clair, the fair’s Assistant Director, reflects on its role as an accessible avenue into the wonderful world of printmaking. With a mission to champion original prints as collectable works of art, it provides a flagship moment for both dealers and artists with an intimate and inclusive atmosphere.
     
    Over the past 40 years, LOPF and the small family team have experienced extraordinary growth, cherished memories and personal connections. But the team couldn’t have done it alone and have built on the infectious commitment and enthusiasm of the printmaking community.
    “Visitors to the fair have always said they feel it's so nice how the exhibitors will talk to them about the works that they're selling, and make them feel really comfortable.”
    – Alice

  • “Both Gordon and I came into this because we love prints. So that is really our primary focus - getting other people to understand how wonderful prints are, and how you can have such fun collecting.”

    – Helen

         Far right: Helen and Gordon at LOPF 2022, Somerset House.
  • Embracing change...
    The fair’s later years saw dynamic transformations, including an online format during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its move to its current home at Somerset House with a distinctive setting that brings a fresh energy and charm.

     

    As the team look to the future, LOPF continues to evolve, captivating art and culture enthusiasts with an expanding lineup of international exhibitors, a new generation of talented artist-printmakers, and a diverse range of compelling displays and activations.

  • “Having a good space is very important for prints, because it highlights that they are in fact serious works of art. It's a very different set up at Somerset House. It's got so many amazing qualities to it - the different rooms allow us to do more curatorially. It's incredible to grow again.”

    – Helen

         LOPF 2022, Somerset House.
  • “A lot of new artists, and established artists, are turning to print making. I've also been really encouraged to see...

    Helen Rosslyn, Director, with a Joe Tilson RA print at LOPF 2024, Somerset House.
    “A lot of new artists, and established artists, are turning to print making. I've also been really encouraged to see how many younger dealers there are at the fair, and I always love it when I find a younger dealer who's dealing in Old Master prints.”
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  • LOPF 2025
    LOPF 2024, Somerset House.

    LOPF 2025

     
    The 40th edition of the London Original Print Fair.

     

    Thursday 20 – Sunday 23 March 2025 
    Somerset House, London

     

    Plan your visit and book tickets here.
     
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