This year, for the first time, the Christmas Tree was decorated by an artist - the sculptor Bill Woodrow.

The decoration of the tree comprised about 30 cardboard sculptures which constituted a single work. One large sculpture, incorporating an illuminated globe, was suspended above the tree. The use of maps in the decorations reinforced the suggestion of the artist's chosen theme for the tree - which rather than simply focussing on Christmas is concerned with the present condition of the world, and presents an ecological view of the planet.

The commission was supported by the Patrons of New Art.

Biography:

Bill Woodrow was born near Henley, Oxfordshire, in 1948. He studied at Winchester College of Art (1967-68), St Martin's School of Art (1968-71) and Chelsea School of Art (1971-72). Woodrow was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 1986. He was a Trustee of Tate from 1996 - 2001. He lives and works in London.