Fenwick’s Christmas windows in Newcastle unveil a modern twist on ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, captivating holiday shoppers.
- The display stars Foggy, a partridge on a festive quest, weaving a narrative of finding Santa and nurturing a pear tree.
- Creative head Paul Baptiste highlights the unexpected elements blended with traditional Christmas charm.
- Soundtracked by ‘The Unthanks,’ the display merges visual and auditory storytelling in collaboration with The Glasshouse.
- Celebrated illustrator Chris Riddell’s designs are realised by Propability, enhancing the festive spirit with British craftsmanship.
Fenwick’s flagship department store in Newcastle has unveiled its 2024 Christmas windows, offering a contemporary reimagining of the classic ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’. Central to this festive display is Foggy, a partridge on a mission to locate Santa Claus and ensure the growth of his pear tree. This narrative provides a warm and engaging story for visitors during the festive season.
Paul Baptiste, the head of creative at Fenwick, explains that this year’s window displays introduce a surprising element to the traditional Christmas theme. He states, “This festive season, we’re bringing a touch of the unexpected. Our take on the classic Christmas carol honours timeless traditions of a familiar Christmas, while offering a fresh Fenwick perspective, with a dash of surprise.” This blend of old and new aims to enrich the viewer’s experience by incorporating both familiar comfort and novelty.
The auditory experience accompanying the visual wonder comes from a custom version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ performed by Tyneside band ‘The Unthanks’. This collaboration with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music provides a unique soundtrack that enhances the storytelling experience, inviting both locals and visitors to engage deeply with the display.
The displays themselves were conceptualised by renowned author and illustrator Chris Riddell, whose artistic vision was brought to life by Propability, a family-run British design and production company. The craftmanship involved showcases a commitment to quality and authenticity, ensuring that the windows evoke a sense of wonder and joy that is quintessentially British.
Mia Fenwick, the retailer’s chief marketing officer, expressed the sentiment behind the windows: “Our Fenwick Christmas windows exhibit the talent of iconic British illustrator Chris Riddell and the fantastic family-owned production team at Propability, whose craftmanship has spun a modern take on a festive favourite, ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.” Her words capture the collaborative effort to deliver a festive spectacle that bridges traditional appeal with modern creativity.
Fenwick’s innovative approach to festive window displays in Newcastle beautifully marries tradition with modern creativity, offering a captivating seasonal experience.