The Connaught Christmas Tree

This year, the Connaught invited widely acclaimed British artist Tracey Emin, CBE, to design their Christmas tree. It is a fitting partnership, considering the Connaught has played a significant role in the art world and has amassed a considerable art collection over its long history.

The Connaught Christmas tree is probably the most traditional on our list; sourced from a farm in Harpenden, the 30 foot tall Norway Spruce tree has been topped with a glowing Angel – a nod to Emin’s mother, Pam, who sadly passed away last year. A long-time friend of the Connaught, Emin wrote a poem especially for the Connaught Christmas tree, which has become the tree’s decorations. Each word has been crafted into a purple coloured light and the lights have been carefully positioned for visitors to be able to read the poem.

“I liked the idea of making the Christmas tree a love poem,” Emin said, discussing the design and her inspiration behind it, “because words are free. The poem relates to [a] smile, and a smile is free to give - it does not have to cost anything”.