House of Bandits settles into Selfridges

It’s difficult to describe the work of the Sarabande Foundation in merely a few words. Extending far beyond their studios in Haggerston and Tottenham, Sarabande isn’t just a receptacle for talent, but instead works more as a key – unlocking doors, worlds and opportunities for both their curated group of artists and us, as observers. Chameleoning their way through changing cultural spheres, journalist and foundation ambassador Tim Blanks coined the term ‘Sarabandits’ as a cheeky nod to their maverick approach to art and how we access it. On the back of their jewellery showcase — held during Frieze week in Marylebone — Sarabande returns with their concept store and gallery, House of Bandits, for a new collaborative pop-up space in Selfridges, bringing their whole host of artisanal pieces to the retail frontlines. 

Open from the 20th January, this next iteration of the House of Bandits will set up shop for the next two months, offering hybrid takes on how we exhibit art and how we shop with independent designers. As the cost of living crisis rages on and budgets across the creative arts are squeezed, the digital sphere has offered refuge to artists and designers and while maintaining a presence online is undeniably important, third spaces that once sought to nurture the creative spirit are dwindling in numbers and funds. As shopping moves online and the art world mutates with corporate intervention, the collaboration with House of Bandits and Selfridges offers an opportunity to engage with the avant-garde within an accessible space. 

The concept store will sell work by the foundation’s artists and limited-edition pieces designed by friends of Sarabande. An exclusive Thom Browne shirt featuring embroidered Sarabande moth detailing and a sweatshirt design by Sarabande alum Craig Green will be available to buy alongside an anthology of ceramics designed by Schiaparelli’s Daniel Roseberry and Tim Burton. The two-month tenure at Selfridges also includes a programme packed with guest talks, artist workshops and more, while several of the foundation’s artists will be working live on the shop floor, decanting their creative processes from their studios. With a 360 approach to today’s multi-faceted creative landscape, House of Bandits will be showing works by resident artists such as Darcey Fleming’s twiny tendrils and Shirin Fathi’s confronting photography. No one can guess what shape Sarabande will take next, but their commitment to their craft and artists and to destabilising an industry that has laid calcified for too long is the kind of friction that is both so necessary and utterly refreshing. Opening 20th January, step into the House of Bandits and immerse yourself in a world of art and design that is finally within your reach.