This year we held the inaugural Spike Print Fair and we’re pleased to announce it was a huge success! Over the three days, Spike Island was transformed into a vibrant marketplace for original prints, publications and artist editions.
Spike Print Fair 2026 was a new contemporary print fair bringing together artists, printmakers, illustrators, designers and small presses from across the UK. Presented by Spike Island and Spike Print Studio in partnership with UWE Bristol School of Arts and Centre for Print Research (CFPR).
The Fair was also a celebration of 50 years of printmaking at Spike Print Studio and Spike Island. In 1976, Peter Reddick founded Bristol Printmakers as part of Artspace Bristol, laying the foundations for what would become Spike Print Studio. Spike Print Fair was the perfect way to celebrate half a century of that legacy!
On Friday we welcomed over 50 exhibitors, ready and eager to set up their stalls. Our exhibitors were the heart and soul of the fair, so we feel very lucky to have been able to showcase such high-quality and varied work.
Before we opened the doors to the public, our exhibitors had their own private view, giving everyone a chance to meet, mingle, and explore eachother’s work. Then we opened our doors for the launch party with print, drinks and music enjoyed by all!
Over 1,000 visitors came through the doors to explore stalls from over the weekend to discover new work, take part in hands-on workshops and join talks exploring all things print.
Thank you to everyone who helped us bring the Fair to life. Here's to 50 years of printmaking, and many, many more to come!
Spike Print Fair is presented by Spike Island, Spike Print Studio, Centre for Print Research, and The School of Arts, UWE Bristol. The event is generously supported by Branch Cider, Cranfield Ink, GF Smith, Intaglio Printmaker, J.M.Smith Framing, John Purcell Paper and Left Handed Giant.