The Commercial Art World: An Artists’ Discussion

Have you ever wondered what goes on within or how to break into the commercial art world? Join us for a discussion between artists Freya Stockford and Jacob Talbot, exploring their experiences of the sector. Expect the topics of conversation to cover art fairs, selling your work, and commercial gallery representation. This talk would be perfect for artists just starting out, or those who would like to make a shift to a more commercial market; everyone welcome, and questions strongly encouraged.

Refreshments available, doors from 18:00.
Talk including a break and Q&A, 18:30 - 20:30.

Freya Stockford (b. 1992, Huddersfield) is a painter based in Leeds, UK. After graduating from Central St Martins in 2010, she continued to train in Painting and Printmaking at Glasgow School of Art (2014). After losing her work in the fire at the GSA in 2014, she has continued her practice from her studio at Assembly House, Leeds. Freya has exhibited internationally, most recently in Miami (2018), Singapore (2024), New York, NY (2024) and Austin, TX, USA (2024). In 2023 she was commissioned by the charity Vital Arts to provide paintings, prints and a digital illustration for the purpose built cancer assessment unit at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, which opened to patients in 2024.

"After a delayed graduation due to the GSA fire, I was approached by a gallery in Dusseldorf, Germany who represented me from 2014 until around 2019 - I ended the working relationship when it wasn’t serving my best interests anymore (more than happy to talk about this). From there I made a commitment to myself to not be represented by anyone again until I felt comfortable enough which has worked massively in my favour, and I’m still not represented by anyone. Happy to talk about pricing, VAT, finding galleries etc. I’ve worked with local and international galleries, charities, auction houses and arts organisations including NADA Miami, Linda Blackstone, BANG, Bowery, Beamworks, Vital Arts, Sunny Bank Mills and more. Lots of different, varied experiences!"

Jacob Talbot is a multidisciplinary artist, manipulating analogue and digital photography, extending into fine art based multi - media pieces. Alongside and within his photographic practice, Talbot utilises the benefits of sculpture, interactive installation and nature to actualise concepts. Jacob predominantly works from his studio at Assembly House, Leeds.

As a ‘recent’ Graduate (Leeds Arts University 2021), Talbot’s Artistic career has quickly gained the attention of collectors and curators internationally. During the lead up to his debut solo show ‘An Isolated State’ Talbot was awarded ‘The Signature Art Prize’. Since then he has gone on to commercially exhibit and sell photography and sculpture throughout art fairs in the UK, Europe, America and Asia; building up a strong client base and collectors alike. His conceptual work has also been shown in multiple group exhibitions nationally and internationally. From a large-scale banner at Rotterdam Photo, shows in Seoul & Berlin, to most recently being shortlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize (York Art Gallery).

Since 2021, Talbot has also been the Head Curator for BANG Galleries, a new branch of the long established and well respected Linda Blackstone Gallery, helping to showcase contemporary emerging artists in a highly competitive commercial setting.
He is fortunate enough to have worked in and around commercial art galleries for over a decade. Jacob is happy to discuss the many aspects around working with galleries and selling your work!