The Connaught unveils first Christmas tree, designed by Damien Hirst with medical instruments for decorations

The luxury Mayfair hotel's 30ft tree was displayed for the first time today on Mount Street
Stunning: The Connaught hotel's first ever Christmas tree designed by Damien Hirst
Rashid Razaq4 January 2016

Syringes, scissors and medicine bottles are hardly top of the list for Christmas tree decorations — unless Damien Hirst is in charge.

The artist brought his own unique interpretation of the season to a 30ft tree by adorning it with medical instruments and snowmen made out of giant pills.

His only concession to tradition on the tree, which was commissioned by the Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, were some white doves.

Hirst, 50, said: “The Christmas tree is a celebration of togetherness, a joyful symbol of hope and love. For the decorations, I wanted to reference some of the amazing things that give us hope in the world today.”

In the making: the festive spectacle is adorned with syringes, scissors and medicine bottles
Alex Lentati

Garlands of sausages have also been used to remind us that Christmas is a time to indulge.

Hotel co-owner Paddy McKillen commented: “We were thrilled that Damien jumped to the challenge to create our first Connaught Christmas tree.

I really hope it will be enjoyed by our guests, our Mayfair neighbours and the whole of London.”

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