One in five Brits (22%) have never stepped foot inside an art gallery, 60% confess they know nothing about art and almost half (46%) say they find the art world intimidating, according to a new survey.

In addition, a third (32 per cent) do not know Leonardo Di Vinci painted the Mona Lisa and one in five (19 per cent) can't identify Van Gogh's first name. The research, carried out by London's Affordable Art Fair, also revealed that 16 to 34-year-olds are most oblivious of iconic masterpieces and artists with 15 per cent identifying Botticelli as a famous footballer.

To help bridge the cultural gap, event organisers have commissioned the Royal Shakespeare Company to create a high-speed comedy performance, reducing the history of art into just ten minutes.

Called the Complete History of Art (abridged), the performance is available on video - see trailer below.

Affordable Art Fair founder Will Ramsay said: "When we opened the Fair 15 years ago, it was with the vision to bring art to everyone.

"We wanted to create something special for our birthday which shows that the art world does have a sense of humour!

"First and foremost, the aim is that the Complete History of Art (abridged) will make everyone smile and celebrate all that art has given us.

"But if people can also pick up a bit of knowledge, feel more informed and become more confident about art along the way - that will be a bonus."

Fair Information

  • Where: Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park
  • When: 23 October – 26 October
  • What time: 11.00am – 6.00pm
  • Ticket prices: £10 - £20 (concessions £8 - £13)
  • More info: www.affordableartfair.co.uk