In 2010, Outset supported House of Voltaire, Studio Voltaire's pop up shop in Mayfair. The shop, designed by 6a Architects, sold especially produced art works, fashion and design pieces produced by artists and fashion designers. Contributors to 'House of Voltaire' included Pablo Bronstein, Jeremy Deller, Thea Djordjadze, Mark Leckey, Goshka Macuga, Yinka Shonibare. Proceeds from the shop went to Studio Voltaire and its ambitious exhibition programme.
In 2012 Outset provided key support for the second edition of House of Voltaire, the celebrated temporary pop up shop by contemporary art space, Studio Voltaire. The shop was open from 21st November to 15th December 2012 and offered a wide range of original art works and editions, with the proceeds of which raised much needed funds for Studio Voltaire’s renowned gallery and education programmes.
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 sells works by both established and emerging artists, many of whom have been previously supported by Studio Voltaire. A wide range of works is 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 is something for everyone at House of Voltaire.
Product 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 etchings 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 and designers include Cory Arcangel, Matthew Darbyshire, Jeremy Deller, Martino Gamper, Anthea Hamilton, Mark Leckey, Peter Pilotto & Frances Upritchard, Elizabeth Price, Jonathan Saunders & Jess Flood Paddock,Wolfgang Tillmans, Hayley Tompkins, Rosemarie Trockel and Lily van der Stokker.
Throughout the month, a roving cast of characters and familiar faces from the arts and fashion worlds are fronting and staffing the shop, as well as various events and ad hoc happenings taking place on site. Confirmed shopkeepers included Lily Cole, James Franco, Margot & Fergus Henderson, Valeria Napoleone, Alice Rawsthorn and Russell Tovey.
Taking place in a converted Edwardian stables, the shop’s interior was designed collaboratively by 6a architects and Simon Jones, two of the most exciting young practices working today, with APFEL (A practice for everyday life) designing the graphic identity.
