Roll up, roll up! The day the Regent Street Christmas lights were switched on (18 November) also marked the return of crucible Studio Voltaire’s biennial fundraising, goodie-purveying, pop-up shop, House of Voltaire. This year it has come to rest in Alan Cristea’s former space at 31 Cork Street (until 18 December).
Sleeves were rolled-up and pinnies and overalls donned as some of the big names of London art world—the patron Valeria Napoleone, the Frieze director Victoria Siddall and the artist Pablo Bronstein—got behind the counter to help with the buying bonanza.
There was certainly something for everyone, with goods ranging from unique and limited-edition works by SV’s many artist mates. A one-off Jim Lambie wall hanging went for £35,000. There were more affordable items such as a set of iron-on patches by the rising fashion star Matty Bovan for £25; Jeremy Deller’s bumper stickers for a fiver; and a “Halt! Im Namen der Liebe” (Stop! In the name of love) disposable lighter by Scott King for £4.
House of Voltaire’s temporary home has been supported by Pollen Estates, which is attempting to ensure that Cork Street remains a creative enclave even though many of the street’s old-timers have been driven out by escalating rents.
Certainly the packed launch made many feel nostalgic for the glory days of London’s former art hub, but with House of Voltaire also hosting events featuring the likes of Peter Saville, Linder and Stereolab’s Laetita Sadier during its month-long residency, for the next few weeks Cork Street will regain some of its former mojo.