Bombay Sapphire launches pop-up Pop Art supermarket

Gin brand Bombay Sapphire has launched a pop-up Pop Art supermarket installation at the Design Museum featuring packaging designed by 10 emerging artists.

The working supermarket with a twist launched on 21 April and will be open for five days, so art lovers will need to be quick to get their hands on these mini “design classics”.

The installation has been led by artist Camille Walala, who designed the store in keeping with her brightly coloured aesthetics while using Bombay Sapphire’s blue as a theme throughout the shop.

The project has a defiant message: by stocking its shelves with essential items, although packaged in artworks by emerging artists, visitors will be allowed back into the museum, exposing the intricacies of lockdown rules, while pushing the idea that “creativity is essential”.

Bombay Sapphire’s global vice president, Natasha Curtin, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching this project in support of The Design Museum, creating the world’s first artist designed supermarket and demonstrating the vital role that creativity plays in our lives.”

Arriving at the Design Museum’s Kensington High Street home, items will be available on the Design Museum shop (although they are temporarily sold out) as well as on site.

All proceeds will go to the Design Museum’s new Emerging Designer Access Fund, a scheme that gives emerging artists and designers free access to the Design Museum’s exhibitions, talks and events.

Items include a rice box by illustrator Joey Yu, a porridge oats jar by ceramicist Amy Worrall, and loo roll by multi-disciplinary artist Michaela Yearwood-Dan.

Other items on sale will include fruit and vegetables, bread, coffee and kidney beans. There will also be special limited-edition Bombay Sapphire and tonic bottles created by artist and animation director Ruff Mercy.

The Design Museum has suffered a 92% drop in its usual income streams since the pandemic hit. Galleries and museums have been closed during lockdowns but also under Tier 3 and Tier 4 restrictions.

Tim Marlow, director and chief executive of the Design Museum said: “Our high streets, museums and galleries have been hit hard by the pandemic; this is an opportunity to get people back to enjoying our cultural institutions safely and creatively.

“This installation is an opportunity to rethink about what we buy, who profits and what we consider to be essential.”

The “mini design classics” will be available at usual supermarket prices so that “everyone can own their own work of art without breaking the bank.”

Not since Chanel’s Fall 2014 runway has a supermarket been this chic. Find out more details about the installation here.