Seven rooms, four storeys and an immersive venue celebrating the life of a sassy businesswoman? We’re sold.
Veuve Clicquot’s “Widow Series” is returning to the capital and it’s promising to be filled with more weird and wonderful features than ever before.
Based at the Bargehouse on Southbank, this year’s theme is “Rebels”. For three nights only, celebrate some particularly radical moments in British culture all put together by Tom Hingston. This graphic designer and creative director has worked with everyone from David Bowie to The Chemical Brothers and The Rolling Stones, so we’d put good money on “Rebels” being filled with impressive surprises. The night promises to combine seven rooms of music, fashion, film and installation throughout a “metaphorical club” for the ultimate evening of entertainment.
For a bit of backstory (if you weren’t already in the know): the Widow Series pays homage to the revolutionary founder of the Veuve Clicquot house, Madame Clicquot, who was widowed in October 1805. And, in proving that impressive businesswomen have been around through the ages, she famously took on her late husband’s champagne business single-handedly. Despite facing bankruptcy and the constraints of society at the time, she grew the business into the fancy, delicious brand that we know it as today. The whole focus of the Widow Series is a celebration of creativity and no year is the same. Each time, there’ve been different artists and creatives involved.
Inside, you’ll find collaborations from photographic and filmmaking duo Warren Du Preez & Nick Thornton Jones, electronic sounds from James Lavelle, installation artists Rebecca Louise Law and Anna Burns, Savages’ singer Jehnny Beth with producer Johnny Hostile, menswear designer Liam Hodges and Joe Goddard of Hot Chip. There’s enough to keep you entertained for hours (with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label in hand, of course).
Previously, we’ve seen the likes of Nick Knight, FKA twigs and Carine Roitfeld taking control of the Widow Series. In fact, last year’s event included everything from hands appearing through the wall to guests being invited to throw their champagne glasses down a three-storey high oblivion, so who knows what we could expect to see this year.
And, after you’re done exploring the experience, head down to the Comet Bar where you can spend the rest of your evening enjoying drinks and music.
The fourth instalment of the Widow Series, Rebels, takes place from November 15-17 at Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House St, London SE1 9PH. Closest stations: Southwark, Waterloo East, Blackfriars and Temple. Tickets are £22 and can be purchased here. 18+ only. Please drink responsibly.