It will be the fifth year that Dulwich Picture Gallery opens its doors for friends and locals to a feast of a Christmas Bonanza.
This year there will be 33 stalls, more than were there last year. “We could have had even more stalls, but there just is not the room in the gallery,” says Judy Mewburn, who is organising the event. “There must be some space for the people to move as well,” she adds with a throaty laugh.
Christopher Le Brun Christmas Card
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the new Gallery Christmas cards, that were designed by Christopher Le Brun RA and Liz Charsley-Jory, the Canadian artist in residence. The cards will be on sale in the Gallery Shop, where Liz will be signing her cards.
Many local artists and artisans will be selling their goods. There will be delicate silver jewellery, a stand selling jams and chutneys, knitted goodies and handmade glass. Or maybe you fancy some crockery or trinkets or wonderful ornaments for your Christmas tree? To warm you on a winter evening there will be woollen scarves and throws, always popular gifts. Pure inspiration for those who are looking for Christmas gifts and even stuff for the stockings.
The lovely Elan purses and oyster card holder
We recommend a visit to the Dulwich Picture Gallery staff stall run by Ellie and Andi. They will be selling unique handmade raffia purses and other accessories using an original weaving technique native to Panama. The raffia is made of 100% paper and is woven in bold, colourful, show-stopping designs creating attractive yet durable products. Elan was founded by the two lovely staff members at Dulwich Picture Gallery and all products are made in Britain. “We will be selling our products for the first time and this event will be our first attempt to see how popular our items would be. We will be joined by Lucy Richards who used to work here as a Communications intern so our stall will be an epic Dulwich Picture Gallery staff Christmas Galore!” says Andi.
But it is not all about shopping. Carols will be sung in Christ’s Chapel by The Friends Musick (in costume), Directed by Norman Harper Selected Vendors. Many will also use the evening as an opportunity to meet and greet friends. And there will be plenty of wine and yummy food for sale from mince pies to sausage rolls in the Sackler Centre.
So avoid the horrors of the overcrowded London shops and sort out all your Christmas shopping in a relaxed and fun way – and get your nearest and dearest something you might not be able to get in the big stores; gifts that are both unique and special.
Christmas Bazaar and Christmas Card Signing with Carols Presentation
Thursday 6 December 6pm – 9 pm
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Free entry