To A Bright 2023
The Royal Exchange continued celebrations straight into the new year with a dynamic line-up of art installations, themed promotions, new releases and tastings.Â
From January 16 to March 5, our historic atrium was home to a futuristic artwork by the Netherlandsâ Streetart Frankey featuring everyoneâs favourite Star Wars villain, while on January 26 Red Eight Gallery hosted a launch party for Ray Rossi, one of the founding fathers of punk, to showcase his work. Â
Meanwhile, Fortnum & Mason and LadurĂ©e marked Lunar New Year with a range of seasonal offerings from overstuffed hampers to delicious macarons. And the gift-giving continued with amazing January offers from George Jensen, Aspinal, Tumi, Tateossian and Crockett & Jones to start the year off in style.Â
A SPECIAL VISITOR
This January, we were excited to welcome Darth Fisher to The Royal Exchange in his UK debut appearance. An installation by Dutch artist Streetart Frankey, the piece depicts the famous movie villain Darth Vader â and his iconic red lightsaber â originally created for the anniversary edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival in 2021. The Royal Exchange, a quite different setting to the world of Star Wars, provided an interesting contrast between the past and the future.Â
THE FESTIVITIES CONTINUE
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, ushered in the forthcoming Year of the Rabbit on January 22. This was a time to celebrate with family, friends â and of course seasonal treats and delicacies.Â
For a delicious spread of gifts from beverages to biscuits, check out the Fortnum & Mason range of Lunar New Year Hampers, Gift Boxes and Biscuit Selections, which include sparkling tea, Marc de Champagne Truffles, Cherrilossus Biscuits and more in the brandâs much-loved wicker hampers.
For more sweet treats, LadurĂ©e released specially designed âLunarâ macarons in a red and gold gift box. Did you know LadurĂ©e also has a range of stunning gift boxes you can stuff full of your favourite chocolates and pastries for even more joy?
And while not edible, Tateossian released new rabbit cufflinks in red enamel and gold as a limited edition.  Â
FIREWORKS AND FIZZ INTO FEBRUARY
New year, new launches for Boodles, which introduced two impressive releases. In January, the iconic British jeweller launched its remarkable Firework collection for those who want to keep the festivities going all year round â inspired by the colourful explosions that fill the sky on New Yearâs Eve.
Forging into February, Fortnum & Mason presented a one-of-a-kind wine-tasting experience on February 2. The luxury retailer is highly regarded for its exceptional cellars, which stock some of the worldâs most sought-after vintages. It hosted a fantastic event at The Royal Exchange where a selection of 12 highlights (Still and Sparkling) were offered with food pairings, allowing you to learn, relax and sample the best of Fortnumâs collection.
NEW YEAR OFFERS
January sales are a tradition almost as important as the pre-Christmas rush for gifts. And where better to indulge yourself than The Royal Exchange with amazing offers from Tumi, Tateossian, George Jensen, Aspinal of London and Crockett & Jones, which each had a bounty of new year offers in store.Â