My review of Solaire Culture London – Veuve Clicquot’s global 250th Anniversary Exhibition; an inspiring, joyful celebration of female artists & the bold pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot.

Solaire Culture – The Exhibition

What is the London Solaire Culture Exhibition?

Inspired by the sunshine yellow of the iconic Veuve Clicquot brand, as well as the solar goodness that yields the best harvests, Solaire Culture is the name of the 250th-anniversary exhibition of this world-famous Champagne House.

This is a global, travelling exhibition that has graced the finest exhibition spaces of Tokyo and Los Angeles and is now delighting London audiences with its quirky charm, inspiring history and exquisite displays.

{ The London exhibition of Solaire Culture is located in the bustling heart of the city at Piccadilly Circus. }

London’s Veuve Clicquot Solaire Culture Exhibition

The exhibition is a celebration of boldness, creativity, and pioneering entrepreneurship.

It’s also a premium example of an exquisite exhibition experience, as well as being a pure joy from start to finish.

“An ode to joy and optimism.”

~ VEUVE CLICQUOT

An inspring story of female entrepreneurship

One of the most enjoyable and inspiring aspects of the exhibition is the captivating history of the pioneering Widow Clicquot Ponsardin.

Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin was the 18th-century widow (veuve) who took on a little-known vineyard and turned it into a world-famous champagne brand.

A combination of innovation, daring, and sheer grit saw the Widow Clicquot transform the fortunes of her family business and establish herself as the head of one of the world’s first luxury brands.

Perhaps what’s most inspiring about the Veuve Clicquot story is that it was set against some of history’s most turbulent and challenging times.

Political upheaval, endless wars and trade blockades all conspired against the founding of a luxury champagne brand.

Yet the French Revolution, Napoleonic Wars, and disastrous losses at sea were no match for the indomitable spirit of the plucky, relentless and determined Widow Clicquot.

A lifetime of devotion to her business and her industry established her as a legend in her own lifetime, and left a enduring legacy as an iconic figure in the world of fine wines and luxury champagnes.

Today, the famous Veuve Clicquot offerings are the byword for excellence, refinement and the joy of life’s pleasures.

{ A declaration of standards, from the widow herself. }

{ One of the early label designs, before the iconic yellow was introduced to indicate the dry champagne so beloved by the British. }

Solaire Culture – The Art 

A tribute to boldness & female artists

As well as presenting the rich heritage of the Veuve Clicquot story, the Solaire Culture exhibition is also a platform for showcasing the work of 10 female artists from around the world.

{ The dotty boldness of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama brings an ancient portrait of the Widow Clicquot to vibrant life – with reflections of everyday London streetlife. }

{ My favourite painting: an evocative imagining of the famous widow, by fashion illustrator Rosie McGuinesss . (This one had me at the colour pop…) }

{ The young Widow Clicquot re-imagined – a portrait by the inspiring London artist Cece Philips. }

Solaire Culture – The Product & Packaging Designs

Excellence and craftsmanship

The story of the Veuve Clicquot Champagne House is a story of a commitment to excellence.

No doubt inspired by this standard of exquisite craftsmanship, some of the branding designs and promotional products on display were a masterclass in innovative design and the finest quality production.

{ Concertina ice box in sunshine yellow? Why not. }

{Beautiful packaging is my love language. } 

A celebration of female creativity & creative joy

The Solaire Culture exhibition is more than just a presentation of the story of Barbe-Nicole – the women behind the brand and the world-famous empire.

Inspired by her creativity in resolving some of the champagne industry’s enduring challenges, the exhibition is a celebration of female ingenuity and innovative responses to the design challenges that all brands must navigate.

The artworks and designs on display evoke an undeniable sense of esteem and honour for the creativity of women.

There are also some joyous collections of artful interpretations of the Veuve Clicquot brand.

These all combine to provide a joyful journey through the history of the legendary champagne house and the impact its brand has had on the world in general as well as its influence on individual creatives.

The spirit of creativity, joy and pioneering courage is infused through the entire exhibition journey.

{ Packaging Designer Heaven… }

{ Creativity, humour, design, craftsmanship & foxes… what’s not to love? }

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label

The joyful exuberance of the iconic Veuve Clicquot Yellow is perhaps one of the world’s most famous colours, on a par with fellow luxury brands’ signature colours Tiffany Blue and Cartier Red. 

For my fellow branding designers and graphics enthusiasts, you might like to know that the Pantone reference for the famous Veuve Clicquot yellow is Pantone 137c, the hex code is FFA300, and the CMYK split is 0, 41, 100, 0.

If these details mean anything to you, you are my people. 🙂

For the vast majority of people, however, this distinctive and uplifting sunshine yellow simply means celebration, refinement, and the joy of a glass of bubbles. 

Veuve Clicquot – La Grande Dame

Alongside the world-famous sunshine yellow and the blush pink of the original rose champagne, Solaire Culture also showcases the next generation of the Veuve Clicquot legends; La Grande Dame. 

From the original designs to the latest colour palette collections, the future of Madame Clicquot’s legacy is as refined and inspiring as you’d expect from one of the world’s most beloved champagne houses. 

{ The Veuve Clicquot icons of the future? The packaging and colour palette of the new La Grande Dame range of premium champagne. }

{ Champagne meets packaging design meets art – the spirit of Solaire Culture. }

Solaire Culture – The Sunny-Side-Up Cafe

Time for bubbles & a breather

After a happy couple of hours journeying through the life and times of Madame Clicquot and her legacy brand, the Sunny-Side-Up Cafe offers an appropriate brand of nourishment.

Champagne.

Other drinks are also available, but I suspect that all the sights and sounds of fine wine and luxury beverages will have whetted most appetites for a glass of those famous bubbles.

The resident fizz does not disappoint. #hic

And the cafe itself continues the theme of inspiring Vueve Clicquot history and heritage with a range of postesrs and advertisements from the centuries of promotional fun and frolics.

{ The shape, the stems, the contents, the setting… pure happiness. 🙂 }

{ What could be better than a glass of Veuve?
The words: ‘It’s on the house.’ }

Solaire Culture – The Shop

Retail Therapy – Veuve Clicquot style

The grand finale of the sublime Solaire Culture experience is the gift shop. 

Not only is this in itself a breathtaking presentation of the beautiful branding and designs, it’s also an opportunity to purchase some of the products displayed throughout the exhibition. 

From surfboards to chopping boards, from books to bicycles, the Solaire Culture shop continues the theme of joyful exuberance and polished refinement that is the hallmark of the entire exhibition. 

{ I may have accidentally treated myself to a couple of early birthday presents… } 

The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award

The Veuve Clicquot Bold Women Award

As we were leaving the Sunny Side Up Cafe, Team Yellow were getting ready to present the Veuve Clicquot Bold Women Award.

This inspiring award was set up in honour of the bold spirit of the original Widow Clicquot.

It’s designed to champion the daring and innovation of modern women, both those who have made an impact with their life’s work, and the younger generations who represent the future of bold women who will impact the world.

With this award, the powerful Veuve Clicquot brand is supporting the role and success of pioneering women around the globe – a fitting tribute to the quiet determination of the young widow who built an empire.

“…each new day opens new paths to build a brighter future.”

~ VEUVE CLICQUOT

Solaire Culture – A Triumph of Creativity & Excellence

A Premium Vintage – Highly Recommended

As a female, designer, art-lover, and champagne-appreciator, the Veuve Clicquot Solaire Culture exhibition was possibly my perfect day out.

A bubbly blend of all of my favourite things – inspiring design, stories of courage, exquisite design and uplifting colours.

Beautifully encompassing the essence of La Grande Dame herself – as well as the iconic brand that is her legacy – this 250th-anniversary extravaganza is so much more than an exhibit.

It’s a journey of inspiration, a homage to creativity and a celebration of joy.

Having read The Widow Clicquot biography three times, I feel sure that the great Barbe-Nicole would be proud.

I, for one, can’t wait to go back.

PS If you’d like more inspiration for creativity and boldness, help yourself to the free email series of A to Z Creativity Boosters. 

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