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Alex Chinneck’s Christmas Tree in London

Alex Chinneck Christmas Tree London

Iwona Pinkowicz

British artist Alex Chinneck has trapped a Christmas tree inside a huge ice cube in London’s Kings Cross. The tree, dubbed ‘Fighting fire with ice cream’, which stands at 17 feet tall and is adorned with 1,200 lights, is seemingly frozen within a bespoke ‘ice cube’ in Granary Square; it will be on display until the 6 January 2017.

 Alex Chinneck Christmas Tree London

The spectacular installation is the height of a two-storey house and has been carved and cast from two tonnes of resin. To create the surrounding puddle, which seemingly melts into the Square’s iconic fountains, the artist has poured over 550 pounds of clear wax.

‘Fighting fire with ice cream’ is the latest addition to Alex Chinneck’s portfolio, which combines the disciplines of sculpture, architecture, engineering and construction to create bold and brilliant public artworks.

 Alex Chinneck Christmas Tree London

“The work has been created for everyone and anyone. Every project that we produce is unique to the place in which it stands; I wanted to create an installation for King’s Cross that was visually and theatrically intertwined with the fountains of Granary Square,” said Alex Chinneck. “They bring the location to life and so it was logical to take inspiration from their animating presence. If any Christmas parties run out of ice, they’ll know where to find some!”

 Alex Chinneck Christmas Tree London

all images © Iwona Pinkowicz