The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in South Kensington has unveiled a striking new holiday installation by designer Anna Lomax. Titled All Lit Up!, the piece reinterprets the traditional Christmas tree, offering a fresh and imaginative twist on festive decor.
Lomax’s design takes inspiration from the museum’s architectural elements, specifically the columns that adorn the Grand Entrance. The installation is crafted as a spiralling column, resembling a classic Christmas tree structure but with an innovative approach that merges elegance and modernity.
“My design for the 2025 V&A Christmas Tree uses the iconic V&A dome columns as a starting point but gives them an actual playful twist, embodying the ‘Christmas Spirit’ through a spectacle of light,” Lomax explained.
The creation was brought to life with the assistance of local design studio Jailmake, which handled its engineering and fabrication. At the base of the sculpture sits a rounded metallic plinth, providing a sturdy foundation for the spiralling design, which is illuminated by bright LED lights that create a captivating glow.
Meneesha Kellay, senior curator at the V&A, expressed her enthusiasm for the piece, stating, “Lighting up and lifting spirits this festive season, we are thrilled to commission Anna Lomax for this year’s V&A Christmas tree installation. Delighting visitors with her playful site-specific response, Anna has taken inspiration from the iconic columns in our Grand Entrance.”
The installation’s design draws an intentional comparison between trees and columns, aiming to “unify the elegance of a tree with the strength of a column,” the museum added. This blend of nature and architecture underscores the festive theme while celebrating the museum’s historic ambiance.
All Lit Up! is the latest addition to the V&A’s series of annual Christmas installations, which have become a highlight for visitors each holiday season. Previous artists in this tradition include Es Devlin, known for her 2017 creation ‘The Singing Tree,’ which featured an immersive audio-visual experience.
The new installation will be on display until 5 January 2025, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the magic of Lomax’s artistic vision. In addition to the V&A’s display, other seasonal highlights in the art world include Liz West’s neon Christmas tree in Kings Cross, London, described as “a beacon that radiates colour,” and a unique travel trunk Christmas tree exhibited at Claridge’s hotel in Mayfair.
