In amongst the gorgeous Georgian decor, hundreds of townmice have descended on Fairfax House to have Christmas celebrations of their own.
Fairfax House’s traditional eighteenth-century Christmas exhibition has been taken over by some very special furry friends, in ‘A TownMouse Christmas’. Over 200 miniature mice can be found hiding in the decorations throughout the house, many dressed in traditional Georgian clothing made by Fairfax House’s own volunteers.
A TownMouse Christmas is nothing like how Fairfax House has celebrated the festive season before. It melds the grandeur of an eighteenth-century Christmas with playful and novel displays designed to bring together the whole family.
Several stages of a traditional Georgian Christmas are on display. Starting with Christmas morning, each room represents a different moment in the lead up to a raucous Twelfth Night Party in the red saloon. In every one of the rooms, townmouse guests are having their own festive fun, often making mischief by stealing the cheese and wine, or even skiing down the banisters!
Curators Sarah Burnage and Rachel Wallis have been planning the exhibition for a year. When asked about the exhibition Sarah Burnage said, “We are delighted to bring this family-friendly exhibition to Fairfax House. We really hope our visitors will enjoy seeking out the cheeky mice hidden throughout the historic interiors. They have been expertly crafted by our amazing team of volunteers, in bespoke costumes mimicking the human Georgians who inhabit the rooms too.”
Talking about why she loves the exhibition, Rachel Wallis said, “This exhibition really is the first of its kind for Fairfax House – it brings the fun back into a Georgian Christmas. It adds a lot of whimsy and means that there’s something for all the family – everyone will love this exhibition.”
The exhibition, which took a week to install runs until 23rd December.
Children 16 and under go free at Fairfax House. Admission to the exhibition for adults is just £7.50. Pre-book online at www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk to secure your tickets, or walk-in on the day.
