British publisher, author and Banksy’s former agent Steve Lazarides unveils Laz Emporium; a new immersive exhibition space and store that brings to life his popular online bazaar. Open now in London’s Soho, the vibrant space will purvey a range of eclectic art merchandise spanning homeware, furniture, print editions, original works, collectibles, books and more from the likes of Charming Baker, Jonathan Yeo, co-creator of the virtual band Gorillaz, Jamie Hewlett, and many more.
Across two floors, the colourful store will showcase new art, homeware and esoteric designs that have been created by many of Britain’s most eclectic contemporary artists and creators including Jake Chapman, War Boutique and others. Graffiti art is represented by New York’s Stash, Berlin’s Mode 2, and London’s Teach who’s also contributed to the space’s design. Lazarides’ own photography from the Banksy Captured books and other personal projects are available too. All items are UK sourced or UK-made at Lazarides’ family-run workshop in Bristol and can be shipped worldwide.
Laz Emporium was launched online in 2020 as a follow up to Lazarides’ hugely successful Banksy Captured volumes. The two books featuring Lazarides’ own photography spotlighted unseen images of Banksy creating some of his most iconic works. Within its first year of business, Laz Emporium has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for edgy curiosities curated by Lazarides’ fertile imagination. Lazarides is a disruptive force in the art market and a pioneering figure in the popularisation of street art: his new store will be a must-see destination for anyone wishing to be shocked, amused, and immersed in his uniquely creative mindset.
Steve Lazarides said of the opening: “We’re creating new pieces, made by ourselves in the new Laz Studio out in the Wild West Country. These will be on sale next to objects d’anarchy from my own archive. Laz Emporium is the physical manifestation of my aspiration to be Ian McShane’s roguish, 80s TV antiques dealer Lovejoy. My collection is the product of my bipolar mind, always leaping from one area of fascination to another.”
The new opening will also be home to upcoming shows curated by Lazarides on a monthly basis. The inaugural exhibition will present works by Scottish design and art studio War Boutique which was founded in 2003 as a response to the Iraq war.
