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Over 15,000 local schoolchildren help bring Christmas at Waddesdon to life
This festive season, Waddesdon Manor invites visitors to step into the enchanting world of "Once Upon a Christmastime," a community art display created by over 15,000 local children.
Set in the Coach House Gallery at The Stables, this enchanting walk-through installation reimagines beloved fairytales and nursery rhymes through a myriad of vibrant, imaginative artworks.
Guided by Waddesdon Manor’s Learning Team and a host of professional artists, children aged 2 to 18+ collaborated on this ambitious project. Visitors can expect to see classic tales, including Little Red Riding Hood, Humpty Dumpty, Rapunzel and The Three Billy Goats Gruff brought to life. Highlights of the installation include a large-scale willow dragon, a giant beanstalk and Cinderella’s carriage.
Waddesdon’s Learning Team, supported by talented local artists, worked with schools and youth organisations across the region, offering both in-person workshops and online sessions to bring this large-scale project to life. Preparations began in July, with workshops taking place across August, September and October.
Sarah Dewberry, Head of Learning at Waddesdon Manor, said: “We are delighted that so many local schools and community groups participated in our Christmas display this year. The creativity and enthusiasm expressed by the students was astounding, and we hope that our visitors will enjoy seeing fruits of their labours.”
Jane Charles, one of the artists involved, said: “It’s all so amazing, the attention to details is wonderful and everything is hand made by brilliant artists, children, community groups and volunteers. There is so much to see!”
With special thanks to the artists who have worked with our local schools and community groups:
- John Prowse and the team at Norse Sky
- Michelle Dufaur artist
- Amanda Loverseed
- Jane Charles
- Olivia Davis
- Woody Fox
- Aylesbury Yarn Bombers
- Robert Batson and the team at Same Sky
- Sandrine Case
- Jo Coles
- Paul Render
- Waddesdon Learning Volunteers
More Christmas Magic at Waddesdon:
“Once Upon a Christmastime” is part of the wider Christmas at Waddesdon experience for 2024. Alongside the children’s artwork, visitors can enjoy:
- Beautifully decorated interiors: Taking Waddesdon’s series of paintings by Russian designer Léon Bakst as inspiration, see the tale of Sleeping Beauty brought to life in the House with exquisite decorations, theatrical installations, projections and soundscapes.
- Installation by Tom Piper MBE: Don’t miss a captivating installation in the White Drawing Room by theatre designer Tom Piper MBE, which responds directly to Bakst’s artwork.
- Illuminated projections on the Manor façade: See the Sleeping Beauty story celebrated on the Manor’s façade with projections by Jamie Shiels, renowned for his work at Buckingham Palace and the London Olympics.
- Glittering light trail: A new light trail transforms Waddesdon’s spectacular landscape into a kaleidoscope of colour, lights and music.
- Christmas Fair: Enjoy unique seasonal shopping and festive food and drink as Waddesdon’s ever-popular Christmas Fair returns (open until 22 December).
Events run until Sunday 5 January 2025, except the Christmas Fair which is open until Sunday 22 December. Entry to ‘Once Upon a Christmastime’ is included with Christmas Grounds admission and Christmas House & Grounds admission.
For detailed information on opening times, ticket prices and booking, visit: www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas