Its focus on domestic interiors, specifically British front parlours from 1600 to 2000, means the Geffrye is ideally placed to make itself appealing to visitors in festive mood in the run-up to Christmas. For many years, the museum has staged a ‘Christmas Past’ exhibition, embellishing its period room sets with the decorations that would have been popular in each era. Enchanting though this small east London museum housed in converted almshouses is, it’s not a whiz bang sort of place and the displays, based on scholarly research, are quite subtle. But despite – or perhaps because of – that restraint they are much atmospheric than some of the capital’s more garish manifestations of the Christmas spirit.
Apart from its evocative displays, the Geffrye’s other strong point is its events programme. There are a number of tempting offerings in the coming weeks and it’s worth booking ahead for the paid-for creative sessions. For adults, there are afternoon workshops on making your own Christmas cards (Dec 1, £20) and decorations (Dec 8, £25). On December 1, canny youngsters can get ahead with their Christmas-present planning: five- to 16-year-olds will have a chance to make Christmas crackers concealing hidden surprises (10.30am-12.30pm or 2-4pm, free places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis), and teenagers can get baking, making spiced biscuits, gingerbread men and cakes (2-4pm, £3).
A free evening opening for all ages on December 6 (5-8pm) will provide an opportunity to see the ‘Christmas Past’ show by candlelight. Visitors can listen to a talk about the period rooms or take part in a family decoration-making workshop. The museum’s shop and restaurant will also be open and London chamber choir Pegasus will play music to get you in the Christmas mood.
