Local children Help Bring Christmas to Waddesdon Manor
This festive season, Waddesdon Manor near Aylesbury, 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 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.
Local schools and groups included:
- 1st Winslow Rainbows
- 1st Winslow Brownies
- 1st Winslow Guides
- Cheddington Combined School
- Grove Road School
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.
Once Upon a Christmastime is part of the wider Christmas at Waddesdon experience for 2024.
Image © Waddesdon, A Rothschild House and Garden. Photo by Ben Crowther Photography