The four-day Frieze 2004 was the largest ever contemporary art exhibition and events programme staged in the UK, and was enjoyed by over 40,000 visitors and art lovers. The look and feel of the exhibition space was airy, open and predominantly white. Following the phenomenal success of last year's inaugural event, this year the area Summit was dealing with increased to total 15,720sq.m. The largest of the structures measured a massive 200m x 40m with a capacity of 8,000sq.m.
The steel cable was secured to the structures using Summit's custom designed rafter clamps - two part metal clamps, which fix into the lower grooves of the roof rafter beams. Additionally, Summit installed various elements of flown signage and other pieces including 10 cubic cardboard signs throughout the gallery spaces, and hanging points for four suspended pieces of art in the VIP area.
In addition to the 5 Km of catenaries, Summit also provided a 12 x 11m ground supported trussing grid in the main auditorium, supporting a thicker cloth ceiling to deaden sound between the auditorium and the surrounding exhibition spaces. Summit also rigged a special scaffold frame to support a large 12 x 2m sign at the site entrance.
The Fair showed the work of over 1000 artists, with over 140 leading international galleries participating, including several cutting-edge new galleries showcasing the work of up-and-coming artists. The 2004 Fair was expected build on the phenomenal commercial success of the 2003 event, generating over £20 million.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
