Cecil Court At Christmas
As well as our legendary Christmas party and carol singalong, Cecil Court likes to get into the festive swing by commissioning a Christmas card. Here’s some artwork from past years for you to enjoy…
david roberts, 2014
There’s a lot happening in this subtle and slightly spooky picture of Cecil Court, by artist David Roberts. We first came across David’s work in Chris Priestley’s Tales of Terror, and we knew that he was the right person to capture the strange magic of Cecil Court at Christmas.
rosie brooks, 2015
These carol singers lift the spirits of shopkeepers and residents alike as they gather under the gas-lamp in a snowy Cecil Court scene. Rosie Brooks’ long association with the world of opera and with clubland came together that year to make her our artist of choice – and now Rosie’s a firm friend and favourite of Cecil Court year-round.
stephen walter, 2016
This detailed and fascinating image brings together the past and present of Cecil Court. We never ask to have the gas-lamp included, but it’s here again as the focal point of Stephen Walter’s wise and witty memory map. You might recognise Stephen’s famous work on the lost Rivers of London from Ben Aaronovitch’s series of novels, or you might have spotted it in a Cecil Court shop window.
Paul Birkbeck, 2017
Paul Birkbeck is a longstanding friend and visitor whose knowledge of and affection for Cecil Court shines in this beautiful illumination. Each letter is picked out with the care and rich colour of a mediaeval manuscript, showing the wonderful things Cecil Court has to offer the Christmas visitor – and the more you visit, the more you know.
Dominique Densmore, 2018
This enchanting view of Cecil Court is so replete with detail and allusion that I had to hang the original artwork on my wall at home to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. Drawn in one Christmastime by the carol singing, Dominique Densmore quickly understood what makes Cecil Court such a special place.
adam dant, 2019
Cecil Court is the perfect subject for one of Adam Dant’s beautifully observed scenes of London life, as a choir of Christmassy characters gathers by the light of the gas-lamp to embody the spirit of the season in literature and song. Adam is another good friend of the street: of the people, and in his love of London and what makes this city great.
james mayhew, 2020
It’s been a dark and difficult year for us all. Children’s author and illustrator James Mayhew’s card for 2020 is a ray of hope. The street is quieter than usual, but Mr Tumnus is doing his festive shopping in a jaunty scarf that he can also use as a mask. This won’t be an endless winter – we will have Christmas.
peter bailey, 2021
Cecil Court’s second Christmas in the grip of COVID-19 celebrates the spirit of carrying on. Peter Bailey’s warm and wonderful card sees Father Christmas, that hero of the self-employed small businessperson, with his reindeer making a trip to the street they know has something for everyone.
emma wesley, 2022
Portrait artist and longstanding friend of Cecil Court Emma Wesley opens up her paintbox of delights for this year’s Christmas card. Full of magic and mischief (and some very familiar dogs), Emma’s rich and vivid picture invites you to step inside for your own adventure. Who knows what you might find…
Rebecca Gibbon, 2023
For the 10th anniversary of the Christmas card, illustrator Rebecca Gibbon has pulled out all the stops with this delightful scene featuring beloved characters from children’s literature helping to decorate the street. Mostly helping - Paddington seems to content sit and read, while the Cheshire Cat looks on from atop the (saved) gas lamp. Whether you’re a helper, a reader, or someone who likes to sit and watch, all are welcome on Cecil Court.