Two new summer events for pre-contemporary art are launching in London: Classic Art London (CAL), running from 23 June to 4 July, and Studiolo, a one-day showcase on 26 June. CAL fills the gap left by London Art Week, which ended in 2024, and features gallery exhibitions across Mayfair, St. James's, Cecil Court, and Belgravia, along with a talks programme at the Society of Antiquaries. Highlights include a rediscovered Titian, a solo show of Paul Nash landscapes, and a focus on Swedish Cubo-Futurist Gösta Adrian-Nilsson (GAN). Studiolo, held at Spencer House, presents art, antiquities, and sculpture.
These events matter because they aim to sustain London's historical art market during a traditionally key period, after the closure of London Art Week. By offering a coordinated PR and marketing campaign and a collegial atmosphere, CAL and Studiolo help keep the capital competitive in the global art market. They also spotlight lesser-known artists like GAN, potentially expanding the market for pre-contemporary works and reinforcing London's status as an art hub.