The Art Newspaper

Frieze launches old masters to modern art fair

Organisers remain silent on details, but dealers have been approached to exhibit

By Melanie Gerlis. Web only
Published online: 13 May 2011

Another Frieze event coming to Regent's Park? (Photo: Christa Holka for Frieze)

LONDON. The city’s contemporary art fair Frieze will launch an old masters to modern fair running at the same time as the ninth edition of its renowned contemporary event, slated for 11-14 October 2012, say dealers who have been approached to exhibit.

The fair, expected to be called Frieze Masters, will be held in a nearby tent, north of Frieze's regular slot in London's Regent's Park. Further details of the event—such as the number of galleries who will participate and the additional fair's selection and vetting committee—are yet to be announced, but further details could be released as early as next week. Co-director Matthew Slotover declined to comment.

Frieze's launch of a fair for older art in London comes hot on the heels of Masterpiece, which opened to great success in the capital last June and has secured a larger venue at the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for its second edition (30 June-5 July). The combination of Frieze plus Frieze Masters would also put it in competition with Tefaf Maastricht, the March fair which in 2012 celebrates its 25th edition, although Frieze attracts the coveted audience for more cutting edge art.