Art house: House of Voltaire pops up in Melbourne
Design
|Jan 17, 2017
The year 2015 saw the arrival of House of Voltaire in Melbourne, making it the first Australian iteration of the Studio Voltaire pop-up boutique. Instrumental to so many artists’ careers, the South London-based not-for-profit arts institution has, for over 20 years, pioneered and nurtured emerging and established artistic talents.
With an acclaimed exhibition and education program, artist studios, events and lectures, Studio Voltaire works as a modern arts patron. This was its first stand alone store outside of the UK supported by QICGRE in partnership with e-commerce website Farfetch.
Inspired by influential artist shops of the past, such as Keith Haring’s Pop Shop and Bloomsbury Groups’ Omega Workshop, House of Voltaire is a cult hybrid fashion atelier and artist shop as well as an innovative way to raise funds for the Studio Voltaire activities. With a strong online presence as well as biennial temporary boutiques that “presents artists and designers of world notoriety”, House of Voltaire sells unique art works, limited editions, homewares, clothing, and publications from £1 to £50,000 with the idea that art should be accessible for everyone.
Located inside a townhouse on 80 Collins, Melbourne was treated to unique artworks, limited edition clothing, objects and homewares made by world-renowned contemporary artists and designers.
Capsule collections launched simultaneously, exclusively made by fellow Australians P.A.M, Lucy Folk, Tom Polo and Hany Armanious as well as a large scale tapestry by David Noonan and lambswool blankets by Parisian artist Camille Henrot. In addition, works and pieces by artist Eddie Peake and designer Roksanda graced the walls and shelves. For the evening goers, Ides chef Peter Gunn created a special dining experience called The Dining Table, which was only host to as many as twelve guests at one time in an intimate environment.
“House of Voltaire merges art, design and fashion in often playful ways fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations by designers and artists ”
Studio Voltaire director Joe Scotland comments — "The generosity and expertise of our forward thinking partner QICGRE, has given House of Voltaire the opportunity to bring our rich cultural offering to a truly global audience, directly benefiting Studio Voltaire's renowned gallery and educational programmes. Together we are changing the way people buy art and support artists, we are so pleased to have launched a capsule collection for Melbourne with wonderful Australian talent in the mix. Working with QICGRE and Farfetch on this landmark store in Melbourne, our first standalone store outside of the UK was incredible, and our generously supportive partners allow us to support artists in London, Australia and globally."
