Print market at Patch

A one-day print market bringing together independent artists and printmakers to sell their work directly to the public.

Patch, Bournemouth | October 2025 | Curated & organised by Millie Lake

Bringing independent printmakers together

The Print Market at Patch was a one-day celebration of independent printmaking, bringing together artists and makers from across Bournemouth and beyond.

Hosted at Patch Bournemouth, the market transformed the venue into a lively marketplace for art as an alternative to a traditional gallery or art fair.

The market was designed to create a fun, vibrant way for visitors to discover and buy original prints, zines, cards and posters directly from the people who made them, while giving independent artists an opportunity to reach new audiences and connect with one another.

The day also featured live portraiture from Jenny Tarr Studio and a food pop-up from Pickled Mongoose, helping create a social, community-focused atmosphere around the market.

Market Day

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

  • Photography by Chuks Dibigbo Photography

The Curatorial Approach

The market was curated around the idea of creating an accessible entry point into collecting original artwork.

I wanted the selection of artists to feel varied enough that visitors could discover different approaches to printmaking, while maintaining a cohesive visual experience across the market.

Alongside the artwork, my goal was to create an event that felt social and approachable rather than like a series of isolated stalls. The layout encouraged visitors to move between artists, browse at their own pace and have conversations directly with the people behind the work.

A key consideration when planning the market was finding the right balance between creating a lively, buzzy atmosphere and ensuring the space never felt overcrowded. I wanted every stall to have strong visibility without feeling too spread out, while giving visitors enough room to browse comfortably. Equally, I was conscious that too much open space could make visitors feel as though they were being watched while they browsed, creating an unintended pressure to buy. The layout was therefore designed to encourage people to move naturally between stalls, take their time looking at the work and feel comfortable striking up conversations with the artists.

The project reinforced how valuable informal, alternative spaces can be for introducing audiences to artists and making buying original artwork feel accessible. It also gave me valuable experience in balancing the needs of individual artists with the overall visitor experience.