We love Christmas and especially the art world's creative take on it. Two of our favourites this year, Heckfield Place and The Connaught have been busy decking their halls and decorating their trees with the help of artist Suzy Murphy and Mother Nature.
The holidays at Heckfield Place
Thanks to resident florist April Rose, Heckfield Place in Hampshire's festive makeover is blooming lovely. You can expect winter chandeliers made from colourful garlands of dried florals lovingly strung over foraged branches, and an extra-special 12ft dried floral tree.
April says: "I took my cue from the woodlands and estate using a delicate array of seasonal treasures that bring a sense of warmth and comfort this time of year. Foraged branches and seed heads nestle amongst colourful dried florals to create a look which is carefully curated, but never overly manicured."
Christmas at The Connaught
This year, East London-born artist and sculptor Suzy Murphy had the honour of designing The Connaught Christmas tree. It is the seventh year the tree, which will shine bright on Carlos Place until the first week of January 2023, has been designed by a celebrated artist, with Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley all putting their creative stamp on it previously.
The design of this year's 9-metre Nordmann Fir features 34 neon dogs 'running' around the tree, inspired by 'Toby was a girl', a series of sketches Murphy created of her childhood pet. She says: "I am so honoured to create this year's iconic Christmas tree at The Connaught, It is a huge part of the artistic cornerstone of Mayfair. My vision was to create a tree that symbolises my childhood experience and is closely related to a series of works I have created over the years. 'Toby' travelled with me artistically, in symbolic form, through various landscapes. Sometimes beautiful, sometimes dark… but here she is arriving now, triumphantly, on the Connaught Christmas tree. It is truly magical."
We couldn't agree more and wish you the happiest of holidays.