The 12 days of Christmas – A gift guide!

Posted on December 22, 2024December 18, 2024 by Aurélia Turrall

In 2014, Sotheby’s sold a copy of Mirth Without Mischief for $23,750, dating from 1780 in which the first version of the famous Christmas carol Twelve days of Christmas appeared for the first time.

Christmas Carol, Sotheby’s 2014, estimate $7,000 - 10,000, Containing The Twelve Days of Christmas; The Play of the Gaping-Wide-Mouthed-Wadling-Frog; Love and Hatred; The Art of Talking with the Fingers; And Nimble Ned's Alphabet and Figures. London: Printed by J. Davenport ... for C. Sheppard,1780. No copy has appeared at auction in the past 40 years; only 1 copy recorded (Opie collection, Bodleian Library, who dates it c. 1780), all others in Worldcat are e-books. Not in Cotsen

Some historians believe it could be French and could have been created as a memory game, to help Christians learn and remember the principles of their faith. Though this could and has been refuted by some, let’s have a look at what is gifted during the Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.
Day 2: two turtle doves
Day 3: three French hens
Day 4: four calling birds
Day 5: five gold rings
Day 6: six geese a-laying
Day 7: seven swans a-swimming
Day 8: eight maids a-milking
Day 9: nine ladies dancing
Day 10: 10 lords a-leaping
Day 11: 11 pipers piping
Day 12: 12 drummers drumming

So many days of festivities, so many outfits! Here is my choice for what I would wear during the Twelve Days of Christmas.

The Twelve days start on the 25^th December, and it is a full day of socialising so the perfect purse for this occasion would be an Art Déco velvet and coral bag by Cartier, dating 1920s, which sold at Bonhams for £2,295.

On the 26^th, in keeping with the Christmas colours I would wear a sapphire, ruby and diamond swivel ring. Sure to grab people’s curiosity if I flip from ruby to sapphire during the course of the day. A ring such as the below would sell for approximately £1,000 at auction.

On the 27^th, when guests have come and gone, I can sit back and admire the Christmas tree. But whilst doing so, I would wear another Cartier piece reminding me of a fancy Christmas tree: a ruby and diamond brooch mounted in platinum dating the 1920s.

With approximately 2 carats of diamonds, this brooch sold for USD 47,880, with a pre-sale estimate of USD 40,000 – 60,000

On the 28^th, to remind me that time is still passing by even though it seems to have stopped for a few days, I would look down at my Patek Philippe 4282 in onyx, malachite and yellow gold with diamond highlights. A combined delight of wearing both an exceptional timepiece and quality jewellery.

This watch sold at Dawsons Auctioneers in 2022 for £14,000 against a pre-sale estimate of £2,000-3,000.

On the 29^th, there might be some event, show or concert to see. And for this, I would take inspiration from non-other than the Princess of Wales. Last year she wore Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra earrings, retailing for £6,000, up from £5,400 the previous year. Seems to always be good investment to buy a renowned jewellery brand!

On the 30^th, I would wear a jewel set with a restorative gem as the legends have it. This would be quartz. And who else would I wear but Pomellato who have based their name in declining all coloured quartz in every style possible based on one specific design: the Nudo ring.

Ranging from £1,800 with a rose quartz ring, the collection goes up to £5,700 with a pair of prasiolite and diamond earrings.

With quartz’ powers to energise, remove all negativity and give peace and optimism, I’m all set for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

On the 31^st, I would wear the present I found under the Christmas tree. And just like it was beautifully wrapped, it too looks like a present: the Tilda Bow diamond ring by Graff.

With a little over 2 carats of diamonds, it retails for £13,000 and would be the gift that keeps on giving every time you would glance at it!

2025 will be the year of the Wood Snake in Chinese culture. Snakes symbolise eternity and in zodiac signs, they are said to be hardworking and driven. I can’t think of a better way to start the year and to embody those images. And for that the perfect bangle sold by Bonhams in 2020 for USD 2,800, set with 1.25 carats of diamonds, and coiled in the tradition of snake and serpent bangles found in all antique jewellery.

On the 2^nd January I would subtly remind the people around me how they make me feel with the Tiffany T Smile pendant necklace. Retailing for £3,250 and set with under 0.20 carat of diamond, it could be seen as a costly reminder but worth every penny!

On the 3^rd as I “hit the town” for some shopping to enjoy the new year’s sale, I would need something practical to plan my day and for that I choose a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Classic Duetto, at £16,500.

With its guilloché blue or silver dial to suit day or evening mood, the Reverso is chic and understated with perfect lines. One of my all-time favourites.

On the 4^th it would be a day of catching up with friends and discussing the sales purchase. And to do that, pairing a simple outfit with Chanel jewellery seems like it would be the go-to look: faux pearl and paste crystal earrings, in gunpowder metal. This vintage pair of earrings sells for £645.

Finally, as a reminder of the good and bad times, those past and to come, I would choose to wear a diamond eternity ring as I start the new year at work. As a symbol of the circle of life, the unbreakable bonds that make us who we are, and the diamonds’ sparkles representing an echo of life’s dazzling surprises. Graff’s Emerald Cut diamond ring retails for £60,500 and is set with 7.60 carats of diamonds, that’s a lot of dazzling!

These are the jewels I would wear for 12 consecutive days after Christmas. I never said it was going to be a cheap Christmas… Wishing you Best Wishes for the New Year.

If you recieved some beautiful Christmas gifts this year, make sure you have them valued correctly for insurance purposes – get in touch to find out more about our valuation services by emailing [email protected] or calling us on 01883 722736.

Under the Tree: What our team are hoping for this Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2024December 18, 2024 by Doerr Dallas Valuations

We’ve asked our fabulous team of valuers and admin staff, what they would like to find under the christmas tree if money were no object. Find out what they picked below…

Rachel Doerr, Managing Director

“After a visit to Boodles in Knightsbridge, I couldn’t stop thinking about this Knot White Gold Diamond Ring – it really caught my eye. The design is just stunning, and the diamonds have such a gorgeous sparkle. It’s the kind of piece that feels timeless, and I’d love to find it under the tree. Another thing I’d be happy with is a pair of single-stone diamond earrings. They’re simple, classic, and would go with pretty much anything. And if I’m being really wishful, I’d also be thrilled with two black labrador puppies. They’d bring so much joy and energy to the house – definitely the best kind of Christmas surprise!”

David Dallas, Old Master Specialist

“I have taken this question rather literally! Dressing the Christmas tree with the children and now grandchildren is a seasonal tradition not only in the Dallas household, but almost everywhere in the Christian world.
Whenever I am in New York in December, I go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where there is a 20ft Christmas tree underneath which is grouped a nativity scene made of beautiful 18th Century Neapolitan Creche Figures and animals, which have been loaned by Loretta Howard and her family since 1957.
I’m not sure if one could ever find figures the quality of Loretta Howard’s, but even 19th Century Crib Figures can be in excess of £600 each, so they would cost a small fortune. Please be generous Santa!”

Alastair Meiklejon, Senior Valuer

‘When Christmas comes each year it is a time for not only giving presents, but writing cards and getting in touch with people that you may not have spoken to throughout the year – whilst modern times dictate that you can email, or message – there is still something special about receiving a letter from a loved one, and what better way to do it than with a Montblanc pen. Whilst many people look at the ultra valuable fountain pens that they are well known for – I would opt for the entry level roller ball. With all the style and class of the bigger relations, but with a fraction of the cost”

Ben Hanly, Impressionist, Post-War & Contemporary Art Specialist

Alas, what I really, really want under the tree this Christmas is not going to happen…
Although I am a picture man through and through, what people might not know, is that I adore antiquities and early sculpture…. I suppose as dark secrets go, it’s not that bad!
What I saw in an auction in November was a superb Khmer stone figure of a standing Goddess from Cambodia, dated to the 11th-12th AD – estimated at £5,000-8,000. I know this is not a small amount of money (it’s Christmas so who cares about reality!) – but the sculpture was amazing, and a perfect example of art from this period when the Cambodian civilisation was at its peak (anyone been to Angkor Wat?).
The sculpture is so simple and elegant, and the condition is excellent – discounting the missing arms and head! Unfortunately, I was not the only one with good taste – the work was bought by someone else with more money than myself for £8,000 plus fees. All I can hope for is that the buyer was in fact my wife who bought it as my surprise Christmas treat! Fingers crossed!

Jonathan Horwich, Modern & Contemporary Art Specialist

“I would like to see a watercolour or two by Eric Ravilious (British, 1903-1942) under the tree, his work is sublime and uniquely English, his skill with watercolour is second to none and he faithfully follows in the footsteps of the great Masters of 19th Century watercolour painting tradition such as JMW Turner – Around £80 to 120,000 for something like this…”

Jenny Knott, Silver & Jewellery Specialist

“I have always loved Christmas and all the traditions that go with it. When I first worked at Bonhams Knightsbridge fresh out of university and earned a pittance, I would cross the road to Harrods once a week and buy a single decoration from their Christmas shop. Since then, I have bought Christmas tree decorations from all over the world and clever Father Christmas has given my children a decoration every year since they were born, so that they now have enough to decorate Christmas trees of their own. I would love therefore to have another decoration to add to my collection, perhaps something from the Georg Jensen range, always stylish and classy. The Scandinavians really do know how to do Christmas. However, if I am really allowed to indulge myself, I would love a delicate Edwardian natural pearl and diamond necklace. Something that could be worn everyday or with evening dress. This would give me great joy, transcend the vagaries of passing fashion and be something to pass on to my daughter in due course. I’ll have to wait and see if I’ve been naughty or nice and what Father Christmas has in store for me!”

Annabell Parry, Jewellery Specialist

“They are a variation on the classic chandelier earrings but were popular in the 1800’s and often have rose cut, old mine cut and old European cut diamonds which were cut for candlelight and worn by beautiful wealthy women who had daytime and nighttime versions. Nowadays I would happily settle with a pair glittering in the winter evenings at a snug private dinner.
Surviving pairs of these earrings are rare as they were so decadent they have often been broken down during tough times. Therefore, because of their rarity, the value of a good pair is considerable so should any ever come up at auction there is always fierce international bidding and could be argued to be a savvy purchase and investment. I’ve sourced my ball gown, carriage and Prince just waiting for the finishing touch …..at a rough guess £80 – £100k”

Aurélia Turrall, Jewellery Specialist

“I’d like to find a diamond-set Trinity ring by Cartier. Cartier’s reputation needs no explaining. Their craftmanship remains unique, stylish and guarantees longevity. The Trinity ring is the perfect gift as it comprises the three gold colours, ready to suit any skin tone, and the diamonds add sparkle which is what Christmas is all about when it comes to the ladies’ gifts! It is ingenious of the brand to offer this ring in so many different options. The ring that I would like only has one band pavé-set with diamonds, and can be small or classic.”

Francesca Orme, Jewellery Specialist

“I would love to see a small wrapped parcel with a red box!!! And inside this striking incredible ring by Cartier. It’s not very old- 1970’s but I just love the design and how wearable it is! It makes a real statement but the fact that it’s made up of lots of small graduated pieces, with lapis lazuli floral top and diamond highlights, makes it delicate at the same time. £25,000- a steal!!!!

Richard Fattorini, Rare Books & Manuscripts, Historical Photographs and Maps Consultant Specialist

“Under the Christmas tree I’d be thrilled to discover a signed or inscribed copy of Ian Fleming’s novel Casino Royale which introduced the world to the now legendary British spy James Bond. The book was first published in 1953 with a dust-jacket devised by the author, and with a modest first print run of 4,728 copies. The book was an enormous success and Ian Fleming went on to write a further 13 novels in the series, which have sold more than 100 million copies to date. A first edition in a dust-jacket will cost from £10,000-30,000 depending on condition, and a signed or inscribed copy from £30,000-125,000 depending on the inscription.”

Stephanie Connell, Senior Valuer & Collectors Specialist

“If i were to find one special piece under the Christmas tree it would be a Cecil Beaton design for the stage production of ‘Coco’ starring Katherine Hepburn. These designs are a combination of three 20th century legends – Cecil Beaton was at the height of his powers as an artist and costume designer. The musical starred the all time leading multi Academy Award winning actress Katherine Hepburn as Coco Chanel. Chanel in turn is the most influential fashion designer of the 20th century! Bonhams recently sold a very good example created for the 1969 production which would be a very special gift.”

Liz Bailey, Jewellery, Silver & Watch Specialist

“I would just love to receive some vintage Elsa Peretti under the tree! This year has really shone a light on her wonderful designs in the fashion world, I have well and truly been ‘influenced,’ seeing celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stacking up their Peretti bone cuffs over simple and stylised outfits. I personally could see myself wearing one of her lovely vase pendants, a vintage one of course would be preferable but I would be thrilled with this one currently retailing at £4,100.
… If Santa is feeling flush this year, I would definitely love to add to my watch collection! A Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 101 collection wristwatch would be a dream Christmas present! This 1970s example was set throughout with nine carats of baguette cut diamonds – the perfect blend of fine jewellery and watchmaking innovation – the 101 movement was created in 1929 and is renowned for being, still to this day, the world’s smallest mechanical movement ever made – weighing just one gram!

Fiona Hamilton, Silver Specialist

“Chinchillas normally cost between £80 and £200 and make excellent pets! Originating from the rocky slopes of The Andes they live together in large colonies, so cute!

Or I’d also love to see an Art Deco Day and Night ring from the 1920s, multiple rings in one! £3,315.51- 1st Dibs”

Ashley Crawford, Asian Art Specialist

“If I could receive any gift this holiday season, I would choose this terracotta figure of a court lady from the Tang Dynasty that I was fortunate enough to view in person at Sotheby’s New York during Asia Week this year. The Tang Dynasty has always been one of my favorite periods of Chinese history, not only from an art historical standpoint, but also because of the freedoms that court women enjoyed compared to in the surrounding dynasties. Terracotta sculptures of such women shed insight into their daily lives and interests, such as riding horses, playing music or dancing in women-only ensembles, or displaying the latest fashion trends. Tang court ladies are either portrayed as very thin or round, with the latter shown here in this 8th-century example. Her large zhuimaji (“falling off the horse”) hairstyle is modeled after the concubine Yang Guifei and is characteristic of the period, as are her long sleeves extending well beyond her hands.There is no shortage of Tang ladies in the Asian art market, meaning that unusual or high-quality examples perform significantly better at auction. This Tang lady is notable for her size, condition, and provenance.”

Jane Vann, Valuations & Private Client Services Administrator

“A few years ago, 2016 to be precise, Adele headlined on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury. As always, her performance was exceptional in her typically down-to-earth way, complete with her ‘potty’ mouth as she calls it! But apart from her singing and language, another thing stood out for me – her bracelet! Her outfit that night was a lovely Boho style dress, complemented with this lovely bracelet that I had to Google to find out what it was, as I’d never seen one before! Since then, everyone is wearing them, including Queen Camilla, who can regularly be seen wearing her turquoise example! I’m quite sure that Queen Camilla’s will not be fake, which probably can’t be said for all the women and girls I see wearing them now! It is of course the Vintage Alhambra bracelet with 5 motifs.”

Kristin Panagiotou, Administration Manager

“As a massive Prince fan, I would love to receive a copy of the new book Prince: Icon. Prince: Icon is a photography book curated by Steve Parke, former art director at Paisley Park, and contributions from those close to him, with new and rarely seen images of the artist, from album covers, performances, candid snapshots and portraits to name a few. I was fortunate to attend a Prince concert when I was in high school and his music, art and creativity has continued to inspire me since then. This book would be a perfect addition to my Prince music and memorabilia collection. ”

Jenny Serra, Marketing Manager

“I am a big kid at heart and love the magic of Christmas each year. What I would really love is to visit Lapland and pretend for a few days that it’s all real – completely immerse myself in all the Christmassy goodness. I would visit Father Christmas, feed the reindeer, travel by sleigh, play in the snow and drink cocoa by a roaring fire. I can’t think of anything I’d enjoy more!”

Christmas Wine: Tips from a seasoned tippler

Posted on December 12, 2024December 13, 2024 by David Dallas

“Any fool can serve a good wine by spending a fortune on it”, my father used to say, “but the trick is finding something delicious to drink that isn’t ruinously expensive”. He was particularly good at it and I have tried to emulate him.

With Christmas around the corner, expenditure at an annual high and entertaining on a larger scale than normal, I thought it might be helpful to share some things I have found or been introduced to me by Hels, my PA, without breaking the bank.

I am going to list my suggestions in the order in which you might drink them, starting with aperitifs, first course companions and what to have with meat, fish and, of course, Turkey, and finally, what to drink with cheese and pudding.

I know next to nothing about spirits, so if Milk Gin is your tipple or you adore a pre-prandial Mojito, forget my wine choices and go for a bigger hit!

At times of celebration one immediately thinks of Champagne, but when it’s going to be drunk in industrial quantities, one tends to think again. Do you really want to spend between £35 and £55 a bottle for an average Champagne?. Instead, we drink the Crémant de Bordeaux that Jane MacQuitty habitually praises in The Times. It comes from M&S at £10 a bottle (£9 if you buy six of them!) and has small bubbles, which I like, as I’m prone to sneezing if they get too big and has a creamy texture. In fact, try any of the Crémants from Bordeaux, the Loire, Jura or Bourgogne. They are made the same way as Champagne but don’t come from the region so have to be called something else by French Law, and cost a fraction of the real thing.

If you don’t like fizzy drinks, you might like to try something white and light. I like the grape varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Torrontes, Albarino and Assyrtiko in this category where acidity and minerality are the buzzwords. They are perfect aperitifs.

In the under £10 price range, try the old favourite Ned, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Majestic and Marques de los Zancos from Tesco, still a bargain at £6.00.

If you want a white wine to accompany food, you will need a grape variety with greater richness and body. This is where Chardonnay comes in and in the affordable price range Macon Lugny from Majestic, Waitrose and others hits the spot.

Now we come to the key moment, what to serve with the turkey? There is little point buying cheap red burgundy (Pinot Noir) as it doesn’t taste of anything and even when you spend £100 a bottle for red wines from this region, it is easy to be disappointed. Last year I recommended Claret (red Bordeaux) but by way of a change, why don’t you experiment with Rioja. I always think it’s a good winter wine and has a bit more punch than a Claret.

Lidl sell a very acceptable Reserva, a term which means it has been aged for at least 3 years before release, 6 months of which – usually more, will have been in oak barrels. The term, therefore, denotes superior quality! This wine is called Cepa Lebrel 2018 and is a steal at under £7 per bottle. As it’s Christmas, you might want to spoil your guests and serve an even better Rioja. If that’s the case, why don’t you try Muga Reserva 2020 from Majestic at £17.99 a bottle if you buy 6 bottles. It’s a whopping 14.5% but is a very smooth, refined wine and well worth the money.

Next comes the Stilton. It has such a strong flavour that it overwhelms most wines, but not the fortified ones. So, I would recommend Port with this course. A vintage port from a great year such as Fonseca 1994 will set you back £100+. From a less good year, say 2003 you are still looking at spending between £35 and £50. However, if you go for Fonseca’s Bin 27, it behaves just like a late bottled late bottled Vintage Port. It has a deep colour and intense fruity flavour but because it is a blend of various vintages, is ready for drinking now. This wine is £18.99 at Majestic or £14.49 if it’s part of a mixed 6.

Finally, what about pudding wine? I think that most sweet things at Christmas are so sugary – Christmas Pudding, brandy butter, mince pies that to have a sweet wine with them would be cloying. Open some more Cremant!

However, if you are serving Foie Gras or a pudding that is quite tart, a Sauternes is your answer. Of course, Chateau d’ Yquem is by far the greatest of them all, arguably the finest wine from Bordeaux, but at £3-400 a bottle for a recent vintage, you need to have a big cheque book! A bottle of the 1811 was bought for £75,000, making it the most expensive bottle of white wine ever sold. However, there is an incredibly rigorous selection policy of Yquem and the 150 pickers go through the vines picking the grapes several times, as they ripen at different speeds due to the presence or absence of Noble Rot, a fungus that weakens the skin of the grape to allow evaporation. This makes for a very sweet wine due to the percentage of sugar to liquid.

In 1964 the pickers went through the vines 13 times, only for the makers to decide the grapes were sub-standard and declared a non-vintage making no Yquem at all. This doesn’t mean they make no wine in such a year. In most years only the best grapes are used and the lesser ones go into a ‘de-classified’ wine, such as “Sauternes” from Vineyards Direct, which was selling for £16 a half bottle when released. Try and find one of these.

To end on a note of thrift, Christmas is the time to search for that bottle of wine a friend brought you and you know would hate and had put aside for the Tombola at the village fete. This is a gift that is heaven-sent for mulled wine, where the wine is just a vehicle for cinnamon, orange peel, cloves and nutmeg and where the heating process ruins the wine. A glass of mulled wine on a cold winter’s day is a thing of good cheer. Enjoy it and have a very Happy Christmas.

12 Days of Christmas

Posted on December 12, 2023August 9, 2024 by Aurélia Turrall

In 2014, Sotheby’s sold a copy of ‘Mirth Without Mischief’ for $23,750, dating from 1780 in which the first version of the famous Christmas carol Twelve Days of Christmas appeared for the first time.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.

Day 2: two turtle doves
Day 3: three French hens
Day 4: four calling birds
Day 5: five gold rings
Day 6: six geese a-laying
Day 7: seven swans a-swimming
Day 8: eight maids a-milking
Day 9: nine ladies dancing
Day 10: 10 lords a-leaping
Day 11: 11 pipers piping
Day 12: 12 drummers drumming

Someone on the internet has very kindly converted what the cost of all those presents would be in today’s currency and this comes to approximately £35,000.

With this budget, here is my choice for what I would wear during the Twelve Days of Christmas.

The Twelve Days start on the 25th December, and in keeping with the festive red and religious aspect of the celebrations, an early 19th Century garnet and pearl cannetille cross pendant, which sold at Bonhams for £1,500.

On the 26th, with the nights still closing in early, a moonstone necklace such as this Edwardian pendant necklace selling for £995, to shimmer and capture all the starlight.

On the 27th, an emerald and diamond three-stone ring, such as the below selling for £2,950 at Fenton to echo the Christmas tree which might be losing a few needles by now…

On the 28th, it always feel like dates have ceased to matter, so as a special reminder, this Rolex DateJust 1601 in stainless steel, selling for £4,400. Discreet and elegant, it is worn as jewellery.

On the 29th, perhaps a night out in a restaurant dreaming of that sky trip would require novelty cufflinks, as these enamel and silver cufflinks by Francis & Deakin, selling for £315.

On the 30th, one will have a quiet night in before the New Year celebrations. It could be a night to remember and remind that wonderful person just how much you love them with a fancy coloured-diamond ring from De Beers. The below cluster ring is set with a 0.52ct fancy yellow diamond, VS1, within a surround and shoulder set with brilliant-cut diamonds and retails for £7,250.

On the 31st, to celebrate the new year offered to us as a gift, one could purchase these vintage Chanel earrings for £1,370 decorated with bows, like a gift to unwrap.

2024 will be the year of the Dragon in Chinese culture. Dragons symbolise courage, power and protection.

Therefore, to start the year, on the 1st January, let us internalise all these elements and choose to wear a dragonset jewel such as the Fabergé Palais Tsarkoye Selo Red Locket with Dragon Surprise by Fabergé, retailing for £12,000.

The 2nd January calls for a quiet cuppa, and how best to accessorise than with Tea for Two bangle by Hermès £485, decorated with enamel.

On the 3rd, perhaps one is gifting the last few presents of the season and this trio of brooches would make a lovely addition to any jewellery collection, sold for only £280 at Dawsons Auctions a few days ago.

The list wouldn’t be complete without referring to The Princess of Wales jewellery. The Princess is one to reuse dresses and outfits so we could certainly get inspired by her look from last year with the goldplated earrings she wore last Christmas from Cezanne, retailing for £100. No one will notice they aren’t sapphires…!

Finally, as we look to the future and the warmer weather to come, on the 5th January I would recommend the mother-of-pearl Sweet Alhambra bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels, retailing for £1,300. The butterfly motif reminds us that spring is not too far away, and with it the promise of longer days filled with possibilities…

All these gorgeous gifts bring us to a total of £32,855, well within our budget and enough to splurge on that meal, extra gift or trip away. Best Wishes to all.

Victorian Christmas Paintings: A Glimpse Into Festive Traditions

Posted on November 28, 2023December 19, 2024 by Jonathan Horwich

Much of what we associate with Christmas today, with the exception of After Eights and Christmas jumpers, stems almost entirely from the Victorian era (1837-1901). Prince Albert introduced all of his German family’s Christmas traditions to the Royal household following his marriage to Queen Victoria in 1840. Christmas trees, cards, turkeys with all the trimmings and Christmas stockings were all enthusiastically taken up by Queen Victoria and as the key influencer of her day, her loyal subjects followed and fully embraced all the young Queen’s new and exciting festive family traditions.

Charles Dickens wrote about Christmas and Victorian painters in Europe and America alike brought these Christmas scenes and people to life. Santa Claus was brought to life by the American illustrator Thomas Nast who also invented the Christmas Card, another stroke of Victorian genius that brought a little bit of festive splendour through letterboxes around the world during the festive season.

Here are some common themes and elements found in Victorian Christmas paintings:

1. Family Gatherings: Victorian Christmas paintings frequently feature scenes of families coming together to celebrate the holiday. These gatherings often take place in beautifully decorated homes, with family members enjoying each other’s company.

2. Decorations: The Victorians were known for their elaborate Christmas decorations. Paintings from this era often showcase festively decorated Christmas trees adorned with candles, ornaments, and tinsel. Mistletoe and holly were also commonly used to decorate homes.

3. Gifts and Presents: Gift-giving was an important aspect of Victorian Christmas celebrations. Paintings might depict scenes of children eagerly unwrapping their presents, or the presentation of gifts to family members.

4. Caroling: Christmas carolers, often dressed in traditional Victorian clothing, are a common subject in these paintings. Carolers would go from house to house, singing festive songs to spread cheer.

5. Snowy Scenes: Many Victorian Christmas paintings depict snowy landscapes and scenes, introducing the idea of a “white Christmas.”

6. Feasting: A Victorian Christmas feast was an important tradition, and you can find paintings that feature festive tables laden with roast meats, puddings, and other holiday treats.

7. The Yule Log: The Yule log was a symbol of warmth and light during the Christmas season. Some paintings show families gathered around a fireplace with a burning Yule log.

8. Christmas Cards: Victorian Christmas cards, which gained popularity during this era, often featured sentimental and picturesque scenes. Paintings might show people exchanging or displaying these cards.

9. Acts of Charity: The Victorians placed a strong emphasis on acts of charity and goodwill during the Christmas season. Some paintings depict scenes of people helping the less fortunate, emphasising the importance of giving during the holiday.

10. Father Christmas: The modern image of Santa Claus, known as Father Christmas in the UK, started to take shape during the Victorian era. Paintings might feature the jolly figure of Father Christmas, sometimes dressed in green or other colours, distributing gifts to children.

Prominent artists of the Victorian era, such as John Callcott Horsley (British, 1817-1903) Thomas Nast, (American1840-1902) and Sir John Gilbert (British1817-1897), created Christmas-themed works that have become iconic representations of the holiday. These paintings continue to be cherished for their ability to capture the nostalgia and spirit of Victorian Christmas celebrations.

Silver at Christmas

Posted on December 13, 2022January 15, 2025 by Jenny Knott

‘Silver bells, silver bells, It’s Christmas time in the city. Ring-a-ling, hear them ring, soon it will be Christmas day.’

The festive season is upon us once again and however you celebrate it, or even if you don’t, it’s hard to ignore. In the 11 months since your sister-in law trapped the dog’s tail in the car boot as she flounced off at an assumed insult; the same dog snaffled the trifle when no-one was looking, and someone set fire to Santa’s not so authentic beard – somehow, by some strange alchemy, Christmas has regained the familiar, rosy glow of hope and expectation.

Much of this is down to our wonderful Christmas traditions. The tree, the tinsel, the coins in the Christmas pudding, the stockings, the crackers. It’s all steeped in tradition and manages, for most, to be a beacon of light and joy in the middle of the winter.

The tradition of having lit tress in our homes at Christmas is believed to originate with 16th century Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Legend has it, that Luther was walking home one winter evening, formulating his sermon when he was captivated by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recreate the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the house and attached lit candles to the branches. Devout Christians followed his example, even using pyramids of twigs if trees were not available.

The tradition of tinsel also dates to the early 17th century in the German town of Nuremberg, which was already known for silver production. Workers started making thin strands of real silver and placed them in their trees to reflect the candlelight.

Incidentally, tinsel gets its name from the old French word ‘estincele’, which means sparkle.

In 1846, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, were sketched in the Illustrated London News, standing with their children around a Christmas tree. Unlike her immediate forebears, Queen Victoria was popular with her subjects. She dictated style and fashion and when the tree was seen in the magazine the idea was taken up all over the country, and even as far afield as the East coast of America. The Christmas tree soon became part of the fixtures and fitting of Christmas.

Making the Christmas pudding and stirring in a silver sixpence on Stir up Sunday, five weeks before Christmas is part of British Christmas heritage. A silver sixpence was placed into the pudding mix and every member of the household gave it a stir. If you were lucky enough to find the sixpence in your helping of pudding on Christmas Day, you could look forward to a year of wealth and good luck. If this tradition appeals to you the 2022 Christmas Silver sixpence can be purchased from the Royal Mint. This year’s coin is the last to be struck with an image of The Queen. It includes the Royal Cypher surrounded by apple and orange blossom to signify good fortune.

Crackers are another Christmas essential. Tom Smith Ltd holds the Royal warrant as Suppliers of Christmas crackers and wrapping paper and has held this since 1906. Tom Smith himself, had invented the first cracker over 60 years earlier, when, taken with the French habit of wrapping bonbons in a twist of paper. He ran with the idea, and then embellished it, adding in little love notes and latterly a snap made from silver fulminate. If you want the ultimate crackers this year, Asprey’s, have on offer, crackers containing silver cufflinks with one terminal modelled as a F1 car.

Silver ornaments have been part of the festive offering from luxury brands for years. Some companies produce new decorations every year so you can build a collection year on year. Georg Jensen is one such brand. This season’s collection includes a decoration by designer Sanne Lund Traberg, whose snowflake ornament is said to be inspired by childhood memories.

Tiffany also has a range of seasonal silver ornaments. The reindeer ornament is a modest £235 in comparison to the bauble created by Hallmarks Jewellers in 2009. Made in 18 carat white gold and designed as a snowflake with 1,578 diamonds, 188 encrusted rubies and a centre band with three one carat diamonds. It took over 130 hours to make and would have set you back $136,000.

Food and drink are integral to all Christmas festivities. For our non-Christian forebears, the Winter Solstice was also a time to celebrate in the depths of winter and look forward to the year ahead and the return of longer, warmer days. For us it’s a wonderful opportunity to polish the table ware, both flatware (cutlery) and holloware (dishes). Get the meat dish cover ready to protect whatever remnants of turkey remain; fill the wine coolers with ice, put the wine coasters out ready to receive bottles or claret jugs, fill sauce boats with bread sauce, entrée dishes with vegetables, and silver jugs with cream. It’s probably time for the knife rests to make an appearance, and definitely for the stilton scoop to come out of retirement! There’s nothing quite like the combination of silver and glass to give the Christmas table a magical feel.

However you will be celebrating your Christmas, we wish you all a sparkling and happy time.

At Doerr Dallas we are only too aware that in the current economic climate Christmas will be hard for many. In recognition of this , the author of this article is donating her fee to Crisis at Christmas. Should you wish to make a contribution to Crisis, please click here to donate.