Main Article
Each year, we get the chance to help brands make a big seasonal impact. Christmas at Somerset House has become something of a highlight for us at Spur Creative. From giant baubles and bespoke decorations to sculpted figures and gold-painted spheres, our workshop transforms into a festive production line. (The kind of place Santa’s elves might feel right at home in, albeit with more power tools.)
Here’s a look behind the scenes at how we bring winter campaigns to life. (And some tips for brands planning their next seasonal showpiece.)
Virgin Atlantic: A Festive Flight of Imagination (2024)
As the official sponsor of Skate at Somerset House in 2024, Virgin Atlantic wanted a Christmas tree that captured the magic of travel and the energy of their brand. Working to tight timelines, our team designed and built everything from 800 custom-painted red baubles to three stacked suitcases forming the base of the tree.
Each bauble was sprayed in Virgin Atlantic’s signature red (a mix of gloss and matte finishes), with the logo applied to selected ornaments. The crowning detail was the sculpted “Flying Lady”, inspired by the figure seen on Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft.
She was carved from polystyrene, reinforced with fibreglass, detailed with air-drying clay, and finished by hand to a mirror gloss.
To complete the scene, we added finger-post signs with candy-cane stripes, mounted in sculpted snow mounds with vinyl graphics showcasing Virgin Atlantic’s holiday destinations. With model planes, printed rainbows, and branded tags hanging throughout the branches, the result was a vibrant, joyful display that brought the Virgin Atlantic Holiday spirit to the heart of London.
Giant Golden Bubbles for Moët & Chandon (2022)
But last year wasn’t the first time we’d worked on the Somerset House Christmas tree. In 2022, we also created the Moët & Chandon Christmas installation. This brief called for a set of giant golden bubbles to sit beneath the tree, ranging from 600 mm to 1.6 m in diameter.
Each sphere was fibreglass moulded, sanded, and polished to perfection before being painted in gold and finished with a high-gloss lacquer. A few weeks before installation, the plan changed: Somerset House requested that the props not be fixed directly to the floor. Working with our composite engineer, we quickly developed circular bases to anchor each sphere safely. (Demonstrating how important flexibility and modular design are when dealing with evolving event logistics.)
The finished display shimmered under the lights, creating a sense of festive luxury that perfectly matched the Moët & Chandon brand.
Moët & Chandon Cork & Wax Seal Decorations (2021)
In 2021, we were asked to create 200 lightweight Christmas decorations for the Somerset House tree. Half in the shape of corks and half as wax seals. Using 3D-printed masters, we made silicone moulds and cast each prop in fire-retardant fast-cast resin, keeping them under 80 grams for health and safety compliance.
Painted in Moët & Chandon’s signature red and gold, each piece was finished with hanging loops for safe installation. Despite the short lead time, everything was produced and delivered on schedule. (Another reminder that seasonal projects often come with tight deadlines and require precision planning.)
Planning Ahead for the Perfect Seasonal Display
Seasonal installations like these rely on timing, teamwork, and technical know-how. The best results come from early planning and allowing time for concept development, testing, fabrication, and any last-minute on-site adjustments.
A few tips for brands planning their next festive project:
- Start early. Lead times for materials, approvals, and weatherproof coatings can stretch quickly.
- Think modular. Props built in sections make transport and installation smoother. Especially for outdoor or large-scale displays.
- Consider the weather. Fibreglass coatings, UV-resistant paints, and proper fixings ensure props look as good on day 30 as they did on day one.
- Tell your story. The most memorable installations aren’t just decorative. They reflect your brand identity and invite people to engage.
Bringing the Magic Together
From Virgin Atlantic’s soaring travel theme to Moët & Chandon’s golden glamour, every Christmas project at Somerset House combines artistry with engineering. These festive builds are a reminder of what we love most: turning imaginative ideas into tangible experiences that delight audiences and celebrate brands.
If you’re planning a seasonal campaign or winter installation, we’d love to help make it unforgettable.