Christmas Tree installation by Boudicca
For Christmas 2007, the V&A commissioned Boudicca, the first independent British fashion house to be officially invited to become a guest member of Haute Couture in Paris, to design the Museum's fifth Christmas Tree.
The V&A Christmas tree was a reflection on the myths and symbols of Christmas, partly inspired by 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen, the haunting tale of a poor match seller who, one Christmas, lights up dreams as she strikes matches to warm herself in the cold.
The tree was five metres high, topped with a mannequin of a female figure, child-like, with wild hair entwined with briar roses, wild roses and bramble. In reference to the little match girl, she held a bundle of spent matches and from her waist a violet ribbon fell to the floor becoming entwined with the foliage, while from her back a pair of wings made from peahen feathers give the impression of an angel.
An atomizer spread the scent of a deep forest and visitors could hear the noise of a forest and wind in the trees. Dramatic lighting highlighted the figure on the tree.
Donate to the Stained Glass Appeal
We are currently working on an exciting project to conserve and re-install the original stained glass on the landings of the Manfred and Lydia Gorvy Lecture Theatre. We need your help to raise £75,000 to bring these historical features back to their former glory for us all to enjoy.
Give nowShop online
'Tree and Angels' Pack of 10 Christmas Cards (Square)
Pack of 10 small square Christmas cards to send to your friends.
Buy nowEvent - Youth Protest - The Teenager's Voice
Sun 22 July 2012 12:00

SPECIAL EVENT: Examine the ‘birth of the teenager’ and the social, cultural and political frameworks that influenced a new sub-culture.
Book online






















