9 must-see galleries heading to Manchester Art Fair 2026

Art in House Collective comprises a trio of contemporary artists: Max Kerly, whose work hones in on the intricacy of architecture, Studio Kavachi, whose signature style is rooted in instinctive mark-making and rich colour, and Lesley Whelan, a mixed-media artist whose work traces the enduring narratives that bind us to the natural world, exploring stories that connect people, plants and place.

An independent gallery based in the heart of Wimbledon Village, Ad-Lib champions emerging and established artists from the UK and Europe. Showcasing a wide range of contemporary works, visitors can browse oil paintings, mixed media, lenticular pieces, photography, sculpture, and signed limited-edition prints.

Making their Manchester Art Fair debut, Contemporary Tokyo Gallery boast more than two decades of expertise and dedication to showcasing contemporary art in Japan. As well as partnering with leading Japanese artists, the team are equally dedicated to uncovering and supporting emerging talents, and to championing the country’s artistic prevelance across the globe.

When the Francis Iles Gallery opened in Chatham in 1961, it made its name by displaying the finest fine art prints and originals from names like Sir William Russel Flint, Roland Batchelor, and Rowland Hilder. Synonymous with exceptional quality, the gallery was originally set up by partners Audrey and John, who would go on to expand into other areas, offering art materials, cards, gifts and yarns.

These days, daughter Lucy continues to represent an eclectic batch of incredible artists, all united by that same quality that was central to the Francis Iles’ for more than 60 years.

Based just up the road beneath the stunning Crescent Hotel in Buxton, Jarva Fine Art was built around the simple concept of creating an accessible environment where art can be enjoyed without the looming pressure of traditional sales. Jarva offers a highly curated selection of original art, sculpture and ceramics from local and international artists, catering to both regular collectors and first-time buyers alike.

Manchester-based LAZERIAN is an art and design practice founded by artist and designer Liam Hopkins. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the studio specialises in sculpture, public art, bespoke furniture and immersive installations for clients and audiences around the world. Working from a former hat factory in Denton, LAZERIAN blends traditional craftsmanship with digital design and fabrication, often working with discarded and unexpected resources.

As well as hosting a feature stand at this year’s Manchester Art Fair, Liam will be participating in an Art Talk on the Sunday, reflecting on two years of LAZERIAN and sharing more about the realities of building a creative business.

Over the years, Kent’s lauded family-owned Lilford Gallery has worked with a staggering lineup of world-renowned names. Since opening in 2000, the gallery has held pieces from Banksy, Tracy Emin, Billy Childish, JMW Turner, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, and David Hockney. For Manchester Art Fair, visitors will be able to peruse works from the likes of Sir Grayson Perry and Billy Childish, amongst others.

Despite such an impressive roster, the team’s priority remains creating an inclusive environment for all, whether you’re looking to buy or just browse and seek inspiration.

Deansgate’s own Millesime Art will be flying the flag for a stellar lineup of local contemporary artists at Manchester Art Fair 2026, offering a variety of limited-edition works, originals and mixed-media pieces spanning everything from pop culture and calligraphy to boundary-pushing ceramics.

Another newcomer to Manchester Art Fair, the Wasabi Gallery’s stand will be filled with a unique and extensive collection of original Japanese woodblock prints, handpicked pieces from a select group of contemporary artists, an exclusive series of Pillar Editions and specially-curated Wasabi editions.