V&A unveils spectacular 'Power Plant' Christmas tree by Isabel + Helen

V&A's 2023 Christmas tree transforms industrial Energy into festive magic.

V&A Christmas Tree Installation 2023 by Isabel + Helen (c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has once again captured the spirit of the season with an awe-inspiring Christmas tree installation. Crafted by the ingenious duo Isabel Gibson and Helen Chesner, known as Isabel + Helen, this year's masterpiece, titled ‘Power Plant,’ fuses the marvel of festive joy with industrial innovation. Towering over 4 metre tall at the Cromwell Road Entrance of V&A South Kensington, this unconventional tree isn't adorned with traditional ornaments. Instead, it boasts a mesmerising display inspired by the celestial dance of the night sky.

Drawing inspiration from the graceful trajectories of planets, stars, and satellites, Power Plant orchestrates a symphony of movement and light. The installation features an intricate assembly of wind-powered turbines, each contributing to an ensemble of lights nestled within its structure. Fans, propellers, and an array of differently shaped lights are suspended within an industrial framework. The delicate interplay of these elements choreographs a stunning visual ballet, transforming wind energy into a radiant spectacle that evolves constantly, captivating visitors with its hypnotic allure.

V&A Christmas Tree Installation 2023 by Isabel + Helen. Photography by Sam Lort Studios

Isabel + Helen's creative vision is a testament to their passion for analog design and subtle kinetics. Their expertise, honed since 2015, has garnered acclaim for their experimental installations and animated sculptures that straddle the realms of art and design. Their unique approach simplifies complex concepts into relatable visual narratives. Having lent their innovative touch to renowned brands like Dior, Hermés, and Moncler, their inaugural solo exhibition, In Orbit, at the Saatchi Gallery in 2021 was a testament to their imaginative prowess.

V&A Christmas Tree Installation 2023 by Isabel + Helen. Photography by Sam Lort Studios.

This extraordinary installation isn't merely a showcase of festive exuberance; it's a tribute to the magic of transferring energy, echoing childhood memories of carousel Christmas decorations powered by candlelit warmth.

Date: until 6 January 2024. Location: V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL.