London salutes 20 years of big Frieze

Landmark birthday as Capital prepares to cash in on most global’ art fair yet

- Robert Dex

THE Frieze art fair opened to the public for the first full day today with organisers hailing 2023’s edition as “the most international to date”.

The five-day event, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, was open to members and by invitation for the first day and a half but transforms into a huge public art show for the weekend as London’s art lovers get to rub shoulders with artists, gallery owners and art dealers.

It is expected to generate millions of pounds for the capital’s economy, not just in sales but in the hotels, cafés, bars and restaurants that all benefit from the influx of the international art world into London.

On today’s front page is an artwork created by a “light painting robot” in the studio of artists Rob and Nick Carter to celebrate the Frieze turning 20. Last year about 90,000 people attended and organisers expect at least the same this year with more than 160 galleries from 40 countries taking part.