Wellington Place is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a thriving community powered by creativity and connection. This festive season, we’re bringing a splash of colour and cheer to our neighbourhood with the Festive Artists Window, featuring four incredible artists and their jolly, joyful designs.
This year, the talented artists included in the Festive Artist Window series are Ashleigh Lauren, Amy Nield, Jude Allen and Lauren Ward.
We caught up with Ashleigh, Amy, and Jude, to learn more about their work, their inspiration, and what this opportunity means to them.
Ashleigh Lauren – “A Colourful Christmas”
Ashleigh Lauren is a digital illustrator and painter based in Leeds. Ashleigh’s colourful artwork varies across prints and cities. Looking to the future, she’d like to experiment with large-scale art and installations – just like her festive window!
What can you tell us about your piece?
“I’ve called this piece A Colourful Christmas. It’s a happy burst of bows, colour and character, with a bow-tree on one side, a starburst of rainbow energy in the centre, and a friendly nutcracker on the right. I wanted it to feel joyful, playful, and full of charm, like something straight out of a festive storybook you’d have loved as a kid.”
What inspired you?
“Christmas for me has always been about colour, light and nostalgia, ribbons and wrapping paper, traditions, and the excitement that builds throughout December. The bows are a symbol of giving and connection, the starburst is pure celebratory energy, and the nutcracker brings a touch of playful tradition. I wanted the whole window to radiate warmth and cheer, like a visual festive hug.”
If your artwork could send one festive message to the community, what would it be?
“Be kind to one another and share the joy.”
What does it mean to you to have your work displayed at Wellington Place?
“It honestly makes me so happy. Seeing people stop, smile, and point things out to each other is the best feeling. Knowing that I’ve added a bit of colour and magic to someone’s workday or commute feels really meaningful.”
Amy Nield – “Tied with a Bow”
Amy Nield is the founder of illustration studio, Esk Haus. Inspired by the natural world around us, Amy uses bold, graphic shapes and colour to create vibrant and engaging patterns which are hand painted as murals, onto furniture, or as she says, any other surface she can find.
Tell us about your piece and its inspiration.
“Tied with a Bow came to life when I saw the entrance doors to Wellington Central, I felt they were calling out for a huge bow, like something you’d see at Tiffany’s flagship store! The stripes on the windows became ribbons, and the garland archway of holly, eucalyptus and foliage naturally took shape around the doors like a festive hug when you walk through.”
What festive message would your artwork send?
“I just hope it makes people feel a little more twinkly and cosy as they go about their day. It’s always nice to look at pretty things and smile. Simple as that.”
What does this opportunity mean to you?
“Being chosen as one of the artists is a super opportunity, it’s literally a shop window for my art!”
Find more of Amy’s work at eskhaus.co.uk or on Instagram: @eskhaus
Jude Allen – “A Christmas Carol”
Jude Allen is a community artist and illustrator, working under the name Splodgeblossom Illustration. Alongside her work, Jude teaches art workshops for organisations and charities across Leeds and West Yorkshire.
What can you tell us about your piece?
“My art piece is called A Christmas Carol. The title is a nod to my favourite Christmas book by Charles Dickens, but it also celebrates birdsong and the magic of nature at this time of year. It’s a playful narrative scene where a little songbird begins singing a Christmas tune, and its music drifts through a winter wonderland. As the melody weaves through the magical forest, different festive characters pause to listen and join in.”
What inspired you?
“The inspiration comes from my love of nature and the gentle way it invites us to slow down. As the natural world grows quieter in winter, it encourages us to pause, breathe, and really notice the beauty and magic of the season.”
What festive message would your artwork send?
“To slow down and enjoy the world around us.”
What does it mean to you to have your work displayed at Wellington Place?
“This is definitely my largest-scale public-facing commission to date, and having my artwork displayed in such a gorgeous and vibrant venue feels incredible. Knowing that so many people will see it—and that it might spark a moment of festive joy in their day—is honestly amazing.”
Discover more of Jude’s work at splodgeblossom.com or on Instagram: @splodgeblossom_illustration
Come and see the magic!
The Festive Artists Window is now on display across Wellington Place, bringing colour, creativity, and festive cheer to our community. Take a stroll, soak up the seasonal spirit, and share your favourite designs with us on social media: @wellington_place_leeds
