A re-imagining of Selfridges annual Bright Young Things program, which highlights gifted up-and-coming artists, sees the UK multi-brand department store giant bringing the artwork of those from older generations to the forefront. Running until the end of February, Selfridges’ Bright Old Things initiative will take pleasure in showcasing the art, designs, music, and entrepreneurial feats of handpicked talents, all between the ages of late-forties to mid-eighties. “As a centenary-old department store which has been successfully reinventing itself over and over again, it made sense for us to shine a light on the wealth of talent and experienced harnessed by bright, older creatives,” says Linda Hewson, Selfridges Creative Director, of the project. “These people can definitely teach us all a thing or two about growing old whilst staying young at heart and relevant.” The Bring Old Things initiative celebrates those who have undergone a ‘retirement renaissance’ of sorts, wherein the absence of full-time work has provided the space, life experience, and resources needed to pursue and realize long-held artistic visions. Robert Roope, an optician for 50 years in his working life, is now trying his hand at designing his own eyewear. Black Eyewear, Mr Roope’s label, currently consists of more than 100 eyewear designs. Mr Roope, along with 13 other participants, will be given a dedicated Oxford Street window in London in which they can present their work. Alongside numerous special events spotlighting the work, Selfridges has invited Todd Selby to photograph each artist in their home and creative spaces. Products from selected Bright Old Things exhibits will be sold in store at Selfridges and online.
BRIGHT OLD THINGS
Selfridges respects its elders in a new start-of-year art initiative that celebrates wisdom.
A re-imagining of Selfridges annual Bright Young Things program, which highlights gifted up-and-coming artists, sees the UK multi-brand department store giant bringing the artwork of those from older generations to the forefront. Running until the end of February, Selfridges’ Bright Old Things initiative will take pleasure in showcasing the art, designs, music, and entrepreneurial feats of handpicked talents, all between the ages of late-forties to mid-eighties. “As a centenary-old department store which has been successfully reinventing itself over and over again, it made sense for us to shine a light on the wealth of talent and experienced harnessed by bright, older creatives,” says Linda Hewson, Selfridges Creative Director, of the project. “These people can definitely teach us all a thing or two about growing old whilst staying young at heart and relevant.” The Bring Old Things initiative celebrates those who have undergone a ‘retirement renaissance’ of sorts, wherein the absence of full-time work has provided the space, life experience, and resources needed to pursue and realize long-held artistic visions. Robert Roope, an optician for 50 years in his working life, is now trying his hand at designing his own eyewear. Black Eyewear, Mr Roope’s label, currently consists of more than 100 eyewear designs. Mr Roope, along with 13 other participants, will be given a dedicated Oxford Street window in London in which they can present their work. Alongside numerous special events spotlighting the work, Selfridges has invited Todd Selby to photograph each artist in their home and creative spaces. Products from selected Bright Old Things exhibits will be sold in store at Selfridges and online.
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