For many of us, December 1st marks the beginning of the holiday season and the point at which it is appropriate to get into the festive spirit. Until then, though, Chiswick House & Gardens have got us covered with an event which is sure to brighten up that bleak, pre-Advent period.
Lord Burlington’s historic villa and its extensive surrounding gardens hold a particularly special place in my heart and have done since the earliest stages of my childhood. Chiswick House & Gardens is one of the area’s greatest treasures and is of huge sentimental value to the local community. Never before, however, have residents been given the opportunity to explore it beyond the typical closing time of 5 pm.
This winter, they will be able to do just that as they witness this familiar landmark transform before their very eyes.
Set to launch on 15th November and carry through right until the end of December, Jennifer Davidson’s ‘After Dark’ will see new and regular visitors alike embarking on a walk around the grounds, all of which are illuminated by sleek lighting installations. Highly-acclaimed lighting technician, Nick Gray, is the creative force behind the vibrant display. He has made a name for himself in the lighting industry in recent years, most notably through his involvement in London Fashion Week’s SS15 shows where he drew attention to the works of Julien Macdonald - amongst other top designers. Calvin Harris’s live shows, too, would not be possible without the talents of this man, nor would those of the English rock band, Kasabian. With this in mind, visitors can be assured of tasteful lighting arrangements which will make for a classy stand-alone experience.
Kasabian and Gray come together again through ‘After Dark’ with the music of Sergio Pizzorno accompanying Gray’s sensational illuminated trail.
After 45 minutes of marveling at the gardens, visitors are then able to make a stop at the various food carts stationed in the walled garden.
The 65 acres of open space, beautiful sights and steaming hot chocolate really make this event one which the whole family can enjoy - even dogs; with the modern lighting fixtures and current music, ‘After Dark’ seems to be a fitting way to breathe new life into a place which has had a distinct presence here since 1800.
