This year, the fair celebrates its twentieth anniversary. Few people could have foreseen the meteoric increase of interest in art which has occurred since the early 90’s. Attitudes to buying art have also changed dramatically; whereas twenty years ago it was more the domain of the elite, with the advent of the YBA’s and the phenomenal success of Tate Modern, modern and contemporary art now appeals to an enormous audience. The 20/21 BRITISH ART FAIR has undoubtedly played its part in the great increase of interest in modern British art over the past 20 years. When it started (as The 20th Century British Art Fair), works by most of the artists represented could be bought at a fraction of the prices they now command. Today, the market has never been stronger. The fair is held at the Royal College, the spiritual home of modern and contemporary British art. Some 56 of the UK’s leading dealers will show all the great names of the 20th century: Bacon, Freud, Frink, Frost, Hepworth, Hockney, Hodgson, Lowry, Moore, Nash, Piper, Scott, Sutherland, Spencer. Alongside is a large selection of work by contemporary artists some of whom already have international reputations – Hirst, Emin, Grayson Perry etc. and others who may be the stars of tomorrow. Fairs are a great way to buy art – they give prospective buyers a one-stop opportunity to view the market and meet the experts. To the uninitiated, the whole process can seem a little daunting - art values are based on perceptions and tastes which change over time, together with criteria such as condition, quality name and subject, all of which can best be explained by getting to know a dealer. It is an opportunity to discover new artists whose work may over been over looked and who may be due for a reappraisal.