This summer, London will see the launch of a vibrant new event dedicated to celebrating the art of independent publishing. The Inventory Art Book Fair will make its debut from June 7th to June 9th at the historic Cromwell Place in South Kensington, with an opening evening of performances on June 6th. This free event aims to bring together the best in non-profit, collaborative, and interdisciplinary publishing, featuring everything from photo books and queer zines to risograph prints and contemporary poetry.

The Inventory Art Book Fair promises to be a comprehensive celebration of artist publishing in the UK. The fair will host a diverse array of exhibitors, including established presses, occasional publishers, and zinesters, all contributing to a book market and reading room filled with unique and thought-provoking works. Among the exhibitors are notable names like Book Works, Arcadia Missa Publications, Prototype, and Photobook Cafe.

The fair’s public programme will offer a series of free events designed to foster conversation and collaboration across various disciplines. Highlights include:

Opening Night Performances (June 6th):

• • Ibrahim Azab will present a site-specific performance titled EV3RY(TH1NG’5)MOV1NG: BUT_I’M(STILL)H3RE, exploring ideology and the subconscious through movement.
  • Folium will engage spectators in creating a collaborative publication with their performance Sometimes Making Nothing Leads to Something.
  • Performative interventions by Rose Nordin will round out the evening.

Panel Discussion (June 7th):

• • Book Works will host a panel to discuss their project What Did You Do…? (2024), a series of A3 posters created in solidarity with oppressed communities, with proceeds supporting Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Closing Performances (June 9th):

• • Jessica Higgins will perform you over there in the trojan horse, blending spoken word and sound collage.
  • Raheel Kahn & Amrit Randhawa will present a new experimental piece focusing on British Asian music and its post-industrial roots.
  • Musical performances by Ghostlore of Britain and Sanctuary of Praise will close the fair, offering a unique blend of sounds inspired by the landscapes and cultural histories of the UK.

Key Figures Behind the Fair

The Inventory Art Book Fair is the brainchild of Lillian Wilkie and Ben Goulder. Both are seasoned professionals in the field of independent publishing and have brought their extensive experience and passion to this new venture.

Lillian Wilkie is a writer, editor, and publisher with a focus on artists’ publishing and photography. She is the co-director of Bound Art Book Fair at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester and has been instrumental in shaping the programme at Inventory.

Ben Goulder, a London-based publisher and consultant, has a rich background in media strategy, having worked with major publications like Dazed Media, Vice, and Rolling Stone. In 2023, he founded New Dimension, a platform aimed at supporting independent publishers through distribution and marketing services.

Reflecting on the launch, Wilkie and Goulder shared their vision for Inventory as a space where the expansive world of printed forms intersects with dynamic, live experiences. “London boasts vibrant communities of independent publishers, and we are thrilled to unite these communities at Inventory to celebrate the rich landscape of independent arts publishing in the UK,” they stated. They emphasized the fair’s inclusive nature, aiming to showcase a wide range of practices and foster mutual support within the community.

Cromwell Place

Cromwell Place, a historic venue in South Kensington, will host the fair. Known for its interdisciplinary exhibitions and collaborative environment, it provides an ideal backdrop for an event that seeks to push the boundaries of traditional publishing formats. Helen Nisbet, CEO and Artistic Director of Cromwell Place, expressed her excitement about the fair, highlighting the shared values of openness and collaboration.

The Inventory Art Book Fair invites everyone to explore the vibrant world of independent publishing. Whether you’re an established press or a first-time zinester, this fair offers a unique platform to connect, create, and converse. For more information and to stay updated, visit the Cromwell Place website or follow Inventory on Instagram.