A VERY ARTY WAY TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON.
Mount Street in Mayfair is one of the few places in Central London to retain its semi-Victorian identity, at least architecturally speaking. Turn a blind eye to the flashy cars and one can easily imagine gentlemen tipping their hats at parasol-clad ladies. What better place than to have an annual Contemporary Art Christmas Tree commission?
Christmas Tree designed by Tracey Emin, 2017
Christmas tree designed by Sean Scully, 2019
For the past six years, The Connaught has been commissioning some of the worlds leading artists to design the decorations for the large Norway Spruce Christmas tree positioned in front of the hotel until January 1st. This year’s tree was designed by artist couple Idris Khan and Annie Morris. Khan designed the base of the tree which has his signature blue text, this time made up in neon light and reflected in an infinity mirror - the kids love this. The upper part of the tree features a flattened adaptation of Morris’ stack sculptures, a take on the classic baubles. The star, also designed by Morris, is a pink neon flower woman, a motif she explores in many of her tapestries and drawings.
Christmas tree designed by Antony Gormley, 2016
Christmas tree designed by Damien Hirst, 2015
Past commissions include Sean Scully, Michael Craig-Martin, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, and Damien Hirst. Each tree reflects the art of its creator but is a lighthearted, festive-fun gesture. The trees are unveiled in style to pleasantly harmonizing carol singers, mulled wine, and pastries from The Connaught dished out for free to neighbors, spectators, and friends gathered to enjoy the Christmas cheer. If you missed it this year, the next tree commission will be announced in the summer along with the unveil date so make sure you pencil it into the diary as a way to start the 2022 festive season.
Christmas tree designed by Michael Craig-Martin, 2018
If the mulled wine didn’t do the trick to keep you warm on a London December night, you can head into the hotel’s many bars, now decorated with contemporary art, like the Red Room with art by Jenny Holzer and Louise Bourgeois or the Coburg Bar with excellent cocktails and Julian Opies. If you are craving a bit more of the same, Annie Morris’ art decorates The Painter’s Room, a beautiful new bar in Claridge’s, which is a 5-minute walk away from the tree on Mount Street. If all this seems a bit familiar, it is due to the two hotels being owned by the same person - Patrick McKillen, who is also responsible for the must-visit Château La Coste in the south of France. An Art Pilgrim favorite!