Studio Voltaire the highly regarded London Contemporary Art space opens its must see pop-up shop, HOUSE OF VOLTAIRE, in Mayfair from 21 November until 15 December 2012. They have enlisted members of the Art-Elite to mind the shop and make each day an event. The artist/actor James franco will be on hand to sell bijou items not likely on your Christmas list, but great ideas just the same.
Highlights include t-shirts and bandanas by artist Linder and fashion designer Richard Nicoll; a silk scarf by Mark Titchner; a woolen blanket by Paulina Olowska; a portfolio of hand tinted etching by Pablo Bronstein, a new photographic edition by Ryan McGinley, a leather House of Voltaire bag designed by Stefania Pramma, and a unique work by Francesco Vezzoli. Other participating artists include Cory Arcangel, Matthew Darbyshire, Jeremy Deller, PMartino Gamper, Anthea Hamilton, Mark Leckey, Elizabeth Price, Dan Rees, Daniel Sinsel, Hayley Tompkins and Lily van der Stokker.
On sale will be a wide range of original art works and editions, with the proceeds of which will raise much needed funds for Studio Voltaire’s award-winning gallery and education programmes. Taking place in a converted Edwardian stables in Adam’s Row, Mayfair, the shop’s interior will be designed collaboratively by 6a architects and Simon Jones, two of the most exciting young architectural practices working today. Throughout the month, leading figures from the arts and fashion worlds will be fronting and staffing the shop, as well as various events and ad hoc happenings taking place on site.
House of Voltaire draws inspiration from the concept of fashion ateliers as well as artist’s shops, most notably Keith Haring’s Pop Shop and the Bloomsbury Group’s Omega Workshops. The shop will sell works by both established and emerging artists, many of whom have been previouslysupported by Studio Voltaire. A wide range of works will be available including limited edition prints, unique works and a series of specially commissioned home wares, clothing and accessories. With prices ranging from £1 to £20,000, there will be something for everyone at House of Voltaire.
House of Voltaire came about from an original idea from Studio Voltaire’s Director, Joe Scotland who explains: “We are really excited to be opening a temporary outpost in the heard of Mayfair again. House of Voltaire is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for Studio Voltaire’s artistic community and public programmes.”
Key support has also been provided by Outset Contemporary Art Fund, with whom Studio Voltaire have collaborated previously. Director Candida Gertler said: “We are delighted to be developing this innovative fundraising initiative with Studio Voltaire which will enable them to continue their outstanding support of London’s artistic community.”
Studio Voltaire is a leading, independent contemporary arts organisation based in South London, which exists to support artistic practices and create a space for thinking,experimentation, and reflection through its exhibition, education and studio programmes. Studio Voltaire houses over 45London-based artists ranging frominternationally recognised practitioners to recent graduates. It has developed a reputation for supporting emerging talent at a pivotal stage in their careers, developing close relationships with artists and the wider art community by being close to the creative process at a grassroots level. Previous solo commissions and projects include: Nairy Baghramian, Phyllida Barlow, Alexandra Bircken, Spartacus Chetwynd, Thea Djordjadze, Dawn Mellor, Shahryar Nashat,Henrik Olesen, Elizabeth Price, Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan and Cathy Wilkes.
Shopkeeper Schedule:
Wed 21 Nov: Valeria Napoleone & Stefania Pramma
Thurs 22 Nov: Margot and Fergus Henderson
Thurs 22 Nov: Anthea Hamilton Book Launch
Sat 22 Nov: OUTSET FAMILY DAY
Sat 22 Nov: Russell Tovey
Wed 28 Nov: Gillian McVey + Friends (likely to be Sharleen Spiteri and Ragi Dholakia)
Fri 30 Nov: Julie Verhoeven will be installing Christmas decorations in the evening – will shop keep herself at some point)
Sat 1 Dec: Emily King and Penny Martin (The Gentlewoman) with ices by Kitty Travers and Music by John Mclean (ex Beta Band)
Sat 1 Dec: Jane Suitor and James Franco
Wed 5 Dec: Outset Patrons with Mark Titchner
Sat 8 Dec: Alice Rawsthorn (3 – 5pm)
Thurs 15 Dec: Alexandre da Cunha and Mariana T. Carvalho.
Photo: © PC Robinson ArtLyst 2012
House Of Voltaire will be open daily from 21 November – 15 December 2012,
Monday – Sunday, 11am – 7pm, Sunday 12 – 6pm at 17a Adam’s Row, London W1