In partnership with Laurent-Perrier Champagne and award-winning artist Kelvin Okafor, the installation transforms Aqua Shard’s iconic Christmas tree into a gallery of striking portraits, with selected artworks auctioned in support of homelessness charity Only A Pavement Away
This year, Aqua Shard is marking the festive season with a special Christmas tree unlike any other. Until 4th January 2027, Portraits of Christmas, in partnership with Laurent-Perrier Champagne, brings the work of award-winning British artist Kelvin Okafor to Level 31 of The Shard, turning the restaurant's iconic tree into a gallery of hyper-realistic portraits set against one of London's most spectacular views.
Inspired by Kelvin's project Drawing Awareness - a collection of graphite and charcoal portraits so lifelike they could pass for photographs - each portrait celebrates the features that make its sitter unique, such as Winnie Harlow's vitiligo and Seal's facial scars. Hung on the tree in place of traditional decorations, the portraits invite guests to look a little closer this Christmas, at the faces and at the lives behind them.
The portraits do more than decorate the tree: they give it purpose. Aqua and Kelvin are giving back to the community by auctioning selected artworks throughout the season, with proceeds supporting Only A Pavement Away, the charity helping people facing homelessness towards brighter futures through employment in hospitality.
That same spirit carries through to the bar, where Aqua Shard and Champagne Laurent-Perrier have created limited-edition cocktails inspired by Kelvin's world. Gradient Contour echoes the way sharp lines soften into delicate shading in his pencil work, pairing crisp gin and verjus with vanilla, chamomile and pino mugo, finished with Champagne Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée. Graphite Impression takes its cue from Kelvin's favourite ice cream flavour, layering rum and raisin with maple and tonka to evoke the deep, woody tones of graphite and charcoal on paper. Served alongside Aqua Shard's festive menus, the cocktails are a fitting way to toast the season beneath the portrait tree, with the London skyline glittering below.
Adam Guy, Managing Director for Laurent-Perrier UK, said: “Since 1812, Laurent-Perrier has challenged the conventions of Champagne while honouring its traditions, from the first Cuvée Rosé made by maceration to the non-dosage Ultra Brut. Kelvin does the same with a pencil, using one of the oldest tools in art to change who we look at and why. Portraits of Christmas brings that spirit to the Christmas tree itself, replacing baubles with faces. We’re proud to raise a glass to it with Aqua Shard and Kelvin this season, and to support the vital work of Only A Pavement Away.”
Commenting on the partnership, Kelvin Okafor said: “It has been such a joy to see this partnership with Aqua Shard come to life. The Christmas tree feels like a beautiful extension of my practice, bringing together portraiture, individuality, connection and storytelling in such an imaginative way. I’m especially grateful that the campaign is supporting Only A Pavement Away. So much of my work is rooted in recognising the humanity, dignity and individual story of every person, and that is why supporting a charity committed to helping people rebuild their lives and move towards greater stability feels deeply meaningful to me. I love that this project can celebrate creativity while also contributing to something with real social purpose.”
Aqua Shard is open on Christmas Day and throughout the festive period.
For more information: www.aquashard.co.uk
