THE CONNAUGHT in the heart of Mayfair, London, has unveiled British artist and sculptor Dame Rachel Whiteread as the vision behind the Connaught Christmas Tree this year.
The hotel is known for its collaborative endeavours with various artists on their annual Christmas Tree located outside their building on Carlos Place and has collaborated with iconic names in the art world, such as Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Suzy Murphy, to name a few.
This year’s tree is a locally sourced Premier Nordmann and is 31ft tall. The branches are ornamented with 102 neon white hoops, brightening the surrounding streets. Whiteread chose to embellish the tree with circles — a motif often used in her artistic practice — to motivate Londoners to honour a sense of community and positivity this festive season.
The Connaught x Rachel Whiteread
The Connaught is delighted to work with Whiteread this Christmas as she instils a sense of hope through her interpretation of the hotel’s 2023 Christmas Tree. This collaboration further declares The Connaught’s longstanding dedication to the art world alongside their significant art collection accumulated over their 170-year establishment.
The Connaught Christmas Tree and its light display by Dame Rachel Whiteread will be available for visitors to enjoy until the first week of January 2024.
“I love the tradition of Christmas trees, whether at home with our chaotic scramble of worn-out ornaments and lights or the beautiful trees put in public spaces. I chose to use circles of light – a motif that I have used before. I love the simplicity of the idea, the light illuminating the beautiful Premier Nordmann tree. Creating a simple and ornamental tree that will light up the Mayfair neighbourhood.” — Rachel Whiteread
by Nicole Pereira