From 10 September–25 October 2026, Studio Voltaire and Bicester Village will collaborate on a major project celebrating the enduring legacy of iconic British painter Beryl Cook (b. 1926–d. 2008). Launching on what would have been Cook’s 100th birthday, Bicester Village will host a mile-long open-air installation featuring life-size cutout characters and large-scale murals from the artist's best-loved paintings.
Visitors will find themselves shopping, eating and walking right alongside Cook’s larger-than-life characters who will populate the streets, benches, signposts, green spaces and phone boxes of the village. From characters shopping at the market, bowling on the green and gardening, to flamboyant ladies dancing on balconies, Cook’s depictions of everyday Britain celebrate joy in the everyday.
Cook’s characters will lead visitors to a House of Voltaire pop-up in the centre of the village, hosting an exclusive capsule collection celebrating all things Beryl Cook, ranging from limited-edition prints to specially designed cushions, tea towels, silk scarves, pin badges, tea cups, tea trays, tablecloths, and lambswool dog blankets. House of Voltaire will offer very rare, original Beryl Cook unique works for sale.
‘Beryl Cook & Friends’ also pairs Cook’s work with a stellar lineup of editions and merchandise by renowned artists and designers who continue her important legacy. Contributors include Ashish, Jeremy Deller, Patrizio di Massimo, Anthea Hamilton, Chantal Joffe, Rachel Jones, Ella Kruglyanskaya, Linder, Sarah Lucas, and France-Lise McGurn. Limited editions by iconic British artists Stanley Spencer, Edward Burra and Louis Wain will be available, contextualising Cook’s work alongside three historic artists whom Cook was greatly influenced by.
With prices ranging from £7 to £70,000, the collection allows established collectors and burgeoning enthusiasts alike to take home a piece of British cultural history.
Bringing Cook’s joyous energy from Bicester Village to London, House of Voltaire will return to Mayfair at Frieze No. 9, Cork Street, London, from 26 November to 19 December 2026, offering a cornucopia of unique works, limited editions and specially commissioned homewares, clothing and accessories from over 100 artists and designers, just in time for Christmas shopping.
All works will be available at Bicester Village and globally at houseofvoltaire.org. Sales support arts and education charity Studio Voltaire’s free artistic and community programmes.
