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Do not index
Do not index
Ah the art fall is upon us, and with it, the marathon that is Frieze London, Frieze Masters, 1-54, Minor Attractions, Echo Soho. Then it’s just a quick hop across the Channel to do it all again in Paris with Paris Internationale, OFFSCREEN, and Design Miami.Paris.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran of art fairing or just beginning to travel along this art and champagne-fuelled modern trading route, here are a few tried-and-tested tips that keep us going and maybe help you along as well.
a) Weather!
Both cities can be a bit tricky around this time of the year. Between chilling downpours or sunny, hot days, anything is possible. So pack wisely, ideally layer up as we know the breakfast ahead of fairs start at 8:30, which means the mists have not risen yet from Regent’s park or the Tuileries. The ultra-light jacket a certain Japanese clothing company has bestowed upon us, has been a trusted companion as it folds neatly into an almost tiny bundle and can keep you from getting sick. Also: the trusty baseball hat! Keeps your hat dry and folds easier than an umbrella.
Image Credit: Fabiana Salerno somewhere aboard a train October 2024. basecap dltlly.com
b) Nature!
Make sure to sooth your brain a bit between all the art so it processes well. London obviously with the two sister fairs, Frieze Masters and Frieze London, being both hosted in Regents Park gives you a nice opportunity to saunter across from one fair to another, take that stroll, and in Paris, do walk along the Seine, sit under a tree once the sun comes out. You will spend a lot of time in tents and sure, the Grand Palais is magnificent, but also a bit of a greenhouse and your body needs that little moment in between soaking top some rays and vitamin D.
Image Credit: Irene Adler - Nature Break at Kew Gardens, London 2024.
c) Water!
Speaking of the greenhouse that the Grand Palais can be or the thrice filtered air con air, that dries your skin like a long haul flight in the fair tents… do make sure to drink enough… water that is ;). Your nights will be long, and sleep will not be plenty, so staying properly hydrated is a key to success. We can also wholeheartedly recommend the ice tea at the Hong Kong Café. Your brain will thank you.
Image Credit: Irene Adler - Grand Palais Art Basel 2024 - Hong Kong Ice Tea 香港凍檸茶)
d) Salt!
And should a night run long, and somehow food wasn’t plenty that day, tuck a broth cube into your luggage. Most hotels will have a kettle and a cup of hot and salty liquid will restore you and your system to no end. Trust us! Secondly upon landing buy yourself some bananas keep them in your hotel room. They can be a life saver… and again potassium, magnesium… remember while this is not a sports event, it does require some similar efforts.
Image Credit: Irene Adler - 1-54 at Somerset House, London 2024
e) Preparation!
Download offline maps, put in locations and if you travel from overseas and beyond, get a e-sim or check ahead of time what your carrier will charge you for data on the go. RSVP mindfully to things (meaning check if you can actually make it and where it is ;)) join our WhatsApp groups for the two art weeks: Ldn Art Week '25, Paris Art Week '25. And get your tickets sorted! Maybe get one pass so all those tickets are snugly in one place. Look up galleries you love, and what they might bring, see if you have a museum show you want to catch and create a nice little plan for your time on the ground.
Image Credit: Google Maps | Irene Adler - London
f) Steam!
And should you have a little extra time, book yourself a few hours in a hammam or spa of your choice. You can be most productive if you are at your best, and maybe a little massage halfway through will give you the energy boost to unlock another level. Side quests are allowed and occasionally lead to whole new discoveries.
…and don’t forget the parties!
The social side of art weeks is just as important as the fairs themselves. They’re where conversations spill over, connections are made, and memories often last longest. That said, it’s simply impossible to attend them all…so choose wisely. We’ve been hearing plenty of buzz around the Room13 gatherings in both London and Paris.
Definitely worth checking them out and registering your interest early!
