Harewood Christmas event, a Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball, promising opulent decor and “amped up” Regency aesthetic evocative of the smash hit Netflix series Bridgerton.
Harewood House is partnering up with innovative digital installations specialist Tom Le Bon and BOSUN Studio to create a series of digital projections to add to the experience.
The stately home has worked with interior designer, Siobhan Murphy, to finalise the details for the event which in her own words promises to be a “feast for the senses”, including an ombre 18ft Christmas tree made of 700 second hand ballerina tutus in the Entrance Hall.
More than 300 pairs of pointe shoes have also been donated by the English National Ballet as part of its initiative, The Drop-Off Pointe which recycles and repurposes dancers’ used shoes. Siobhan is spray painting these various shades of pink, pairing them with ribbon and bows then using them to create smaller rotating shoes in the Entrance Hall.
In the Music Room, visitors will step into a Bridgerton-inspired soundscape where elegant classical music fills the air and people will be surrounded by animated musical notes that dance and swirl across the walls. It will also feature two large Christmas trees adorned with gold instruments as well as pink and orange feathers.
As guests move into the Gallery, they’ll witness lifelike projections of ball guests gathered at the edge of the room, gossiping about the unfolding events. The room will be filled with ball gowns sourced from Leeds Playhouse alongside couture pieces by fashion designer Julia Clancy.
The Spanish Library is designed to offer a glimpse into the inner world of the Ball’s glittering host. Visitors will see a projection of her writing appear in real time as she pens her thoughts into her diary. Her voice echoes softly through the space, reading aloud her reflections on the evening’s events. Siobhan herself has collected over 200 books from charity shops and car boot sales to create a stunning “book tree” for this room.
Inspired by a festive feast held by Marie Antoinette, the State Dining Room will feature bejewelled swans, rotating macaron trees and stunning iced cakes that were created by Siobhan with Great British Bake Off contestant, Helena Garcia.
The final chapter unfolds in the Servants’ Hall, where it will appear that staff have been enjoying their own glittering celebration. The room will be filled with music, laughter and dancing and through the windows, visitors will see a stunning projection of fireworks bursting over Almscliffe Cragg. It’s a reminder that every corner of the house has its own story to tell. It will be a stunning room in terms of decor too with paper chains handmade from hundreds of vintage papers as well as Christmas trees made of second hand copper pans, brass jugs and spoons.
Siobhan has worked alongside Harewood’s volunteers to create over 10,000 handmade decorations using secondhand items for the event; including over 2,000 items saved from car boots and second hand shops.
Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood, said:
We are thrilled to reveal that Tom Le Bon is on board to help create an unforgettable Christmas at Harewood.
His light projections will compliment Siobhan’s maximalist approach to decor and design, helping to transport visitors into the world of a regency-inspired Christmas.
Expect real ‘wow’ moments throughout the experience; with unexpected delights that promise to spark joy, bring smiles to faces of all ages, and create lasting festive memories to treasure.
Children are bound to love the sights, sounds and smells in each room – but Harewood has also worked hard to create something special and bespoke for them too. Siobhan is working with nine miniaturist specialists to recreate a magical miniature version of Christmas at Harewood, with tiny scenes featured throughout the House.
