Behind the Stall: My Experience at Spitalfields Arts Market

If you're looking for a unique piece of art to spark conversation in your home, Spitalfields Arts Market is a wonderful place to start. Tucked in the heart of East London, it's a vibrant, eclectic space where artisans gather to sell everything from delicate watercolour landscapes to bold abstract work. There's a real mix of established and emerging artists, and that variety is a big part of its charm.

I arrived early on the Friday morning and set up my collection of abstract palette knife paintings alongside digital art printed on canvas. It was a great experience.

It wasn't all effortless and glamorous. Setting up was genuinely hectic. If you've never wrestled with a market stall before an event, just know, it's a workout. I'd also managed to forget my coat, which, for a covered but outdoor market in London, is not a small oversight.

That's where the magic of the artist community came in. The artist I shared a booth space with, Yang Xu, didn't hesitate, she handed me her coat. Just like that. And before the event, artist Sara Sherwood had generously given me a wealth of advice that helped me feel far more prepared than I would have been otherwise. That warmth and generosity between artists set the tone for the whole three days.

The visitors made it special too. I had fascinating conversations with tourists discovering London for the first time, locals who knew the market well, and everyone in between. I made a sale, made new contacts, and came home with new friendships I know will last.

Spitalfields Arts Market turned out to be so much more than a place to sell art. It was a reminder of why the creative community is such a brilliant thing to be part of.

The Spitalfields Arts Market takes place on the first weekend of each month between March and December. With an extra weekend in September and December. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm Friday to Sunday.