The new art fair is aiming to fill the sudden gap in the fair calendar created by the absence of fairs focusing on the discerning, entry and mid-level, collector. The co- operative event has been initiated and is run by independent art dealers to connect exhibitors and art buyers and help them discover new works as well as showing long- established artists.v Matthew Hall of Panter & Hall, one of the initiators of the Fair, says: ‘’This will be an opportunity for seasoned collectors and beginners alike to access an area of the market neglected by most other art fairs. The aim is to connect buyers with dealers not normally seen at the larger London fairs. The general idea is to introduce those many extraordinarily talented artists, from across three centuries, who for one reason or another have slipped off the radar. Consequently we expect the works, all carefully vetted by a committee of experts, to represent tremendously good value in what can sometimes seem an overinflated London art market.’’

The 34 dealers taking part in the inaugural Connect Fair will be showing a wide array of all styles, from the traditional qualities of the 19th century to the current contemporary, with a good backbone of the much loved 20th century schools - from St Ives to British Abstract with a sprinkling of Scandinavian mid-century modern. The mix includes Freya Mitton 20th Century British Art (Somerset), John Iddon Fine Art (Richmond), Manning Fine Art (London), Emma Mason (Eastbourne), Oriel Fine Art (Cambridge), Ottocento (Sussex), Panter & Hall Decorative (London) and Saunders Art (London). Prices will range from £500 to £20,000.

Visitors will be able to talk to dealers in the relaxed atmosphere of the Mall Galleries and join special tours through out the fair to connect art buyers, both new and experienced, with dealers and the various themes at the fair.