Every year in October, London attracts a multitude of Art Collectors from all over the world. Auction Houses compete with each other to showcase the rarest masterpieces, simultaneous Art Fairs take place, without forgetting the numerous show openings, gallery previews and private events.

This year is no exception, with an incredible agenda for one week.

Here is a list of few events not to miss:

Auctions
Christie’s post-war and contemporary sale includes a 15ft-wide butterfly painting by Damien Hirst, his largest painting using butterfly wings, estimated to fetch £2.5 million to £3.5 million. I Am Become Death, Shatterer Of Worlds.

Sotheby’s has unveiled Francis Bacon’s Figure In Movement, 1985 ,which was on loan at the Tate for the past decade, with an estimate of up to £6.2 million

Art Fairs 
No introduction needed for the Frieze Art Fair (see coverage from 2009 here) taking place from 14-17 October 2010, featuring new and established contemporary artists with over 170 participating galleries. Also to note the sculpture park surrounding the Fair.
http://www.friezeartfair.com

New this year is the Moniker International Art Fair , also running from 14-17 October.
Focussing on the finer side of Urban Art, Moniker will gather a rich mix of international galleries and also play host to six dedicated project spaces featuring works by Steve Powers, Polly Morgan, Eine, Katrin Fridriks, Herakut, Titi Freak. The aim of these spaces is to bring an art show ‘experience’ to the event.
http://www.monikerartfair.com/

Also new is Multiplied , Christie’s first Art Fair, showcasing a selection of London based galleries, and dedicated to contemporary editions of, for instance, prints, photography and sculpture. 
http://www.multipliedartfair.com/ 

A few show openings

Gagosian Gallery
Damien Hirst – Poisons and Remedies

Lazarides Hell Half Acre
In collaboration with The Old Vic Tunnels, a labyrinth of tunnels beneath Waterloo station will be converted into a large-scale evocation of Dante’s inferno .
http://www.lazinc.com/exhibitions/

So watch this space…