The following are questions recently submitted to us.
Q. Hi, I’m interested in joining you on the Bayswater Road. I’m a watercolourist.
I wondered if you could give me some idea what its like, and if you think it would be worth my while.
Just general info., really.
A. Well painted and neatly presented watercolours in popular subjects do sell at Bayswater Road. Exhibiting can be fun, exciting, boring, busy and quiet often all in the same day. We advise you visit us to see for yourself, and experience Bayswater Road as a visitor first. Have a chat with the artists who will be happy to give advice.
Q. Can you send me a fact sheet?
A. Yes, but it's even better if you start by visiting the exhibition and talk things over with some of the artists. After that you can email the BRAA Secretary, David James - his contact email is bayswaterartists@aol.com . David can then supply you with the Fact Sheet.
Q. I want to start straight away - how long does it take to get a pitch?
A. There is currently no waiting list so often it's less than a month to get started. Exhibiting at Bayswater Road is a commitment of time and energy as with any endeavour. Successful artists attend every Sunday whatever the weather. They arrive early and stay late, even when it is cold! To be successful, an artist must persevere and not despair when they do not sell, but constantly try to raise their standards.
Q. I only want to exhibit when the weather is nice?
A. Then this exhibition is not really for you. To exhibit at Bayswater Road Art Exhibition you must have a permanent licence from Westminster City Council and you will have to pay for your pitch every Sunday, whatever the weather. This is payable whether you attend or not.
However there are alternative venues in London which may be more suited to your needs. "Galleries" magazine is a good place to see which galleries specialise in the different styles of art. You can find them online.
Q. I am a photographer/digital artist, can I apply to exhibit at Bayswater Rd?
A. No - no prints of any kind are permitted.
Q. Are you open Easter Sunday?
A. Yes, every Sunday.
Q. I was on Bayswater Road last Sunday and couldn't find you. Am very disappointed!
A. Bayswater Road runs from Marble Arch to Notting Hill, but the exhibition currently only begins at the Marlborough Gate park entrance, running a little way west to the Lancaster Gate entrance. This is because COVID-19 has impacted quite badly on the exhibition. Of course, fewer artists still attend during the cold winter months so the show might seem even more depleted then. Please bear with us - we are sure things will pick up.
Q. Hi, just wondering what time the exhibition starts on a Sunday?
A. Artists are setting up from 8am to 10am as they arrive from far and wide!
Q. Is it cash-only for purchases, or are cards accepted?
A. Many artists now offer a chip-and-pin card-payment facility. There are plenty of ATM cash machines around and about too.
Q. Hi there! I want to visit the show by car as I'm looking to spend a fair bit on large artworks, I'm worried about being 'caught-out' by the congestion charge. Is the exhibition within the charging zone?
A. No! We are way outside the charging zone. As long as you arrive on the road well west of Park Lane and Marble Arch, you're not going to be hit with a charge.
Q. Parking in London is a nightmare! Can I park nearby when I want to buy paintings!
A. No problem! Parking on single yellow lines on the road is free all day on Sundays so you'll have no trouble safely loading that exciting new piece of art into your car right at the point of sale. There is a cycle lane, but an exemption on this exists on Sundays.
Q. There are so many art fairs in London now - the Affordable Art Fair, for instance. Is the Bayswater show in that kind of bracket?
A. We're different in that we are truly affordable! And we pride ourselves on being an Exhibition rather than a market or a fair. Only original art (no reproductions) can be found on the railings at Bayswater!