As sponsor of this year’s Best Stand Awards at the London Art Fair, ArtAML™ introduced an expanded award structure to recognise excellence across three areas: overall presentation, newcomer exhibitors and environmental sustainability.
The awards were judged during the VIP Preview on 20 January by a panel including Sarah Monk, Portfolio Director of the London Art Fair, art critic and curator Tabish Khan and ArtAML™ co-founders Susan J. Mumford and Dr Chris E. King.
The judges were looking for visual impact and creative use of space, thoughtful curation and flow, and clear, accessible information for collectors. They also considered visitor engagement and the overall experience, and where relevant, a meaningful alignment between presentation and values.
Below, we share the judges’ reasoning behind each winner and what set them apart from more than 120 others.
Best Stand Award Winner: Osborne Samuel Gallery
Osborne Samuel Gallery made a strong first impression, delivering a presentation that was visually striking and easy to engage with.
The layout and lighting were carefully considered, creating a space that felt larger than its footprint while giving individual works room to breathe. The team were welcoming and well-informed, offering insight generously. Artwork details and pricing were clearly presented, and there were a wide selection of catalogues available. This created an atmosphere that felt open and inviting for visitors.
The stand also demonstrated forward planning and contextual awareness. The featured artist was due to have a solo exhibition the following week, and this wider moment in their career was reflected thoughtfully in the stand’s presentation. As a result, the display felt timely and well positioned.
Taken together, the judges noted a clear sense of intention across every element of the stand, recognising this as a marker of curatorial excellence.
Environmental Sustainability Runner-up: Cavaliero Finn Gallery
Cavaliero Finn Gallery stood out to the judges for making sustainability an integral part of its presentation and programme, rather than a surface-level theme. From a central installation crafted from upcycled fishing nets to a featured artist who had recently showcased sustainability-focused work at another fair, every curatorial choice and artist selection reflected this commitment, impressing the judges with consistency and integrity.
Newcomer Runner-up: Tache Gallery
Tache Gallery impressed the judges with a debut that balanced visual impact with careful attention to detail. A backdrop created a clear visual anchor, adding depth and helping the artworks stand out. Printed price lists, complete with thumbnail images, demonstrated preparation and professionalism, particularly for a newer exhibitor. The gallery team were welcoming and approachable, contributing to an overall presentation that set a strong benchmark for newcomers.
In conclusion
While each stand approached the fair differently, the winners shared several defining qualities: purpose behind every decision, respect for visitors and collectors, and strong alignment between presentation and values. These are the qualities ArtAML™ is proud to support through its partnership with the London Art Fair.
Finally, we would like to thank the judging panel for their expertise and thoughtful deliberation, and all exhibitors for the exceptional standard of presentation across the fair. We can’t wait to see what next year brings.