The 11th annual Vauxhall Art Car Boot Fair took place yesterday, Sunday 8 June 2014. The fantastic weather added to the festive atmosphere, making it a great day out for all those attending. Once again, over 70 renowned and up and coming artists stalled out selling their original and limited edition works of art, off the back of new and vintage Vauxhall motors. This is a fair dedicated to the discerning collector on a budget and all works of art on offer are aimed at a price level most of us can afford.
After the chaos of the Peter Blake stand last year, those who had queued up all night were rewarded with certificates guaranteeing them one of the 250 signed and numbered limited edition prints, while forbidding them to resell the work on eBay. This year Blake and Co which consisted of his artist wife and daughter, were selling their prints in an old routemaster bus. The prints had been pre-allocated before the gates opened, leaving many disappointed, but this has always been part of the charm of the fair. Like a lottery ticket you never know what you’re going to find and you will never find out unless you take a punt. Other well-known artists who continue to support this event were Matt Collishaw, Polly Morgan, Gavin Turk, Bob & Roberta Smith, Keith Coventury and Pam Hogg. The atmosphere early on was extremely buzzy with queues forming all over the site.
The increasingly popular street artists Pure Evil and Ben Eine were doing a roaring trade. Disappointingly, Tracey Emin & Emin International couldn’t make the event but it is assured they will be at the Folkestone Event on 30th August. True Rocks were there with their newly launched jewellery brand featuring a limited edition pendant of Gavin Turk’s iconic bitten rich tea biscuit and the Binnie Sisters from Sussex with their quirky paintings and ceramics were also selling. Alteria Art in collaboration with Humpty Dumpty Publishing were selling The Artists’ Colouring Book of ABC’s in a limited edition of 250 with a signed and numbered screenprint by Jake & Dinos Chapman. The handbag disco was once again running with all proceeds going toward Just for Kids Law. The many performance artists were entertaining the crowds and food was provided by St John Bread & Wine, Electric Dog, Bean about Town and Nude Espresso.
What better way to spend a sunny Sunday June afternoon than at this updated quintessentially British event that sparkles with eccentricity, quirky ideas, cool art, eclectic ware, madcap performances not to mention incredible bargains!
Words: Photo Sara Faith © Artlyst 2014
Here’s where it begins!
Charles Saatchi Bean Bag Throw!
Peter Blake Print Bus
Gavin Turk Paintings at bargain prices