Waddesdon Manor, the 19th-century Grade I listed National Trust property in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, was transformed into a festive fairy-tale for Christmas, with a striking projection mapping installation powered by Christie projectors. Eleven Christie DWU23-HS 1DLP laser projectors, supplied by A.C. Entertainment Technologies, were used to create a 10-minute light show on the Manor’s Loire chateau-style façade. The projections, designed by mapping expert Jamie Shiels, were inspired by the classic fairy-tale ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and the festive season.
As part of the ‘Christmas at Waddesdon’s programme, the immersive projection mapping experience offered visitors a blend of storytelling, art, and light, set against the backdrop of the Manor’s historic architecture and gardens. The event, which ran throughout the Christmas period, was designed to captivate guests with vibrant visuals and create a magical atmosphere on the Manor’s grounds.
The tale of ‘Sleeping Beauty’, first written by Charles Perrault and later popularised by the Brothers Grimm, has been a source of inspiration for generations of artists. The story, centred around a princess cursed to sleep for 100 years until awakened by true love’s kiss, has inspired many artistic interpretations, including Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet and Walt Disney’s animated film. The story remains one of the most beloved fairy tales in Western culture.
For this year’s seasonal event, the design team behind Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas programme created one of the most enchanting displays to date. The exterior of the Manor came to life with new light projections, while a glittering light trail through the gardens and beautifully decorated interiors added to the festive atmosphere. The projections, powered by Christie’s DWU23-HS projectors, were designed to reflect the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ theme, transporting visitors into a world of fairy-tale magic.
Challenges
Given the Manor’s intricate and uneven façade, projecting onto the building presented unique challenges. To address this, the project team used a laser scan of the building, which was integrated into media software to help determine the ideal placement for the projectors. Christie’s DWU23-HS projectors, which offer 23,650 lumens of brightness and incorporate Christie’s BoldColor+ technology, were chosen for their ability to deliver vibrant, high-quality images, ensuring the projections were clear, bright, and accurate.
In addition to the projection mapping, the interior of Waddesdon Manor featured a new installation by Tom Piper MBE, one of the UK’s leading theatre designers. Piper, renowned for his work on major installations such as the ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ display at the Tower of London, created an installation in the White Drawing Room that complemented the outdoor projections. Piper’s work was accompanied by an evocative soundscape produced by Guildhall Production Studio, with new music composed by artists from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. This interior installation responded directly to the art of Léon Bakst, the renowned Russian designer whose work inspired the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ theme.
The ‘Sleeping Beauty’-inspired experience at Waddesdon Manor offered visitors a truly immersive and magical Christmas visit. The Manor’s grand rooms were beautifully decorated, and the light projections on the façade brought the fairy-tale to life. Visitors also enjoyed a winter walk through the glittering light trail in the gardens, while the return of the popular Christmas Fair added to the festive atmosphere.
Event details:
- Christmas at Waddesdon: Wednesday–Sunday, 15 November 2024 – 5 January 2025 (plus Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 December 2024). Closed from Monday 23–Thursday 26 December 2024.
This year’s holiday season at Waddesdon Manor is the result of a collaboration between leading designers, artists, and technology partners. Christie’s powerful projection technology, combined with the creativity of Tom Piper and other artists, helped bring the classic fairy-tale ‘Sleeping Beauty’ to life in a contemporary setting. This enchanting experience seamlessly blended history, art, and seasonal magic, offering visitors a truly memorable Christmas experience.
