Selection and text by Laura Godfrey, Guildhall Art Gallery volunteer
Join us as we take a brief look at five eclectic artworks from the Guildhall Art Gallery collection with a Christmas connection...
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Before Mary Berry, or Nigella or Kirstie with her handmade crackers, this was the woman who decreed how Christmas should be celebrated.
In December 1800, Charlotte of Mecklenburg- Strelitz, wife of George III and busy mother of fifteen came up with an idea which was to revolutionise the way in which we decorate our homes. No more would our halls be decked with sprigs of holly and a pine cone, out went the Yule log and the kissing bough in came the Christmas Tree.
For those of you keen to replicate Queen Charlotte’s stunning centrepiece, we recommend a tastefully arranged mix of sweetmeats, fruit and small toys. Whilst, candles flickering amongst the branches look particularly festive, we would advise that a minimum of three housemaids and a footman be in attendance whenever the tapers are lit.
Allan Ramsay (1713–1784)
Oil on canvas
H 246 x W 163 cm
City of London Corporation
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Ashamed of that tired tablecloth and those mismatched glasses? Looking for something bold and exciting? Artist and food stylist Matthew Arnold Bracy Smith suggests a simple arrangement of fruit and leaves scattered amongst the turkey and sprouts.
Matthew Arnold Bracy Smith (1879–1959)
Oil on canvas
H 152 x W 114 cm
City of London Corporation
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A selection of rustic bowls and a wine jug add height and texture and for that all important sense of fun, why not add a few brightly coloured fish.
Matthew Arnold Bracy Smith (1879–1959)
Oil on canvas
H 152 x W 111 cm
City of London Corporation
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Christmas will be different this year, but none the less it is important that one looks ones best when entertaining guests. Those of you who admired Alfred Emile Léopold Joseph Victor Stevens Summer frock will be delighted to hear that a Winter gown is now available.
Alfred Emile Léopold Joseph Victor Stevens (1823–1906)
Oil on canvas
H 76 x W 25 cm
City of London Corporation
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As theatres begin to open again after lockdown, why not treat the family to a trip to the Pantomime? We hear that the show about the Lord Mayor and his Cat is especially good.
Nigella Bittleston (1921–2006)
Oil on canvas
H 36 x W 47 cm
City of London Corporation
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And finally, the last word must go, as it so often did, to Sir Noël Coward. Unfortunately Sir Noël will be unable to join us this Christmas, but I have no doubt that he and Gertrude will be with us all in spirit. So for the perfect Martini, let us all fill a glass with gin and then wave it, oh so elegantly in the direction of Italy.
Noël Coward: Art & Style will open at Guildhall Art Gallery on Thursday 14 January 2021.
Gertrude Lawrence and Noël Coward in Private Lives, 1931 - Times Square Theatre, New York.
