The annual Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair returns to London this summer - and for 2017 it's being held in Vauxhall, the birthplace of the British car brand.
Taking place on Sunday 9th July, the one day festival promises another eclectic line-up of over one hundred artists who will be selling exclusive pieces from the boots of both new and vintage Vauxhall cars.
One of the biggest and most fun-packed events of the summer arts calendar, the Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair will build on the success of last year’s event at East London’s Truman Brewery, by taking place in the streets of Vauxhall’s vibrant new gallery district in collaboration with Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery and U+I Plc. The main fair will take place inside The Workshop, the former workshops of The London Fire Brigade – all a stone’s throw from the former Vauxhall Ironworks Company where the original tiller-steered cars were made in 1903.
This one-day art fair and festival will put the public directly in front of a stellar line-up of sought-after artists including Sir Peter Blake, Marcus Harvey, Gavin Turk, Pam Hogg, Bob & Roberta Smith, Polly Morgan, and Rachel Howard, who will all pitch up in person. The 2017 theme is ‘The Original’, so expect rare opportunities to snap up lots of genuine and exclusive bargains.
A special commission designed by the renowned artist Kristjana Williams will see a limited edition Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer wrapped with her unique and vibrant cartographic designs.
Top attractions include: Original and limited edition artworks created especially for the event plus the chance to barter directly with the artists, The Black Cow vodka bar, Live music and performances as well as plenty of classic Vauxhall cars from various decades.
There will also be marching bands and promenade performances in the surrounding streets, a family-friendly Spirograph workshop with the House of Fairytales, as well as a boutique selection of vintage and antiques from Bath VA.
“The Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair is a staple event in the calendar for us at Vauxhall Motors,” says Denis Chick, Director of Communications. “We’re pleased to be on board for another year, this time going back to our roots in Vauxhall, South London for an even bigger production. This event is for everyone, regardless of your art expertise and we’ll be dusting off some of our own ‘Originals’ from Vauxhall’s heritage collection.”
Karen Ashton, Founder of the Art Car Boot Fair says, “As well as bringing an original line-up to our new location in Vauxhall, we’ll also be drawing on all the talents our exciting new locale has to offer.”
“We’re right at the centre of Vauxhall’s burgeoning creative quarter with a fantastic array of galleries, pop-ups, and established gems like the Vauxhall City Farm, MI6, Beaconsfield Gallery and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern – so expect guys and spies, plus the odd Llama and lots of cool art in the mix this year! We’re also hoping for a guest appearance and contribution from the owner of the Newport Street Gallery. A special thanks to our new hosts U+I and The Workshop.”
The Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair takes place on Sunday 9th July from Whitgift Street, London SE11 between 12-6pm. Entry is priced at £5.
A second event will also be held in Folkestone, Kent on Saturday, 2nd September. More details will be released in the coming weeks.