As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for delving into the annals of film history, I must say that the cover of TopMob from December 1977 stands out as one of the most captivating and nostalgic pieces of artwork in my memory. The intricate detail and whimsical charm of “Christmas Tree Village” by Pauline Ellison is truly a sight to behold, transporting us back to a simpler time when snowy Christmas trees held more than just presents beneath their branches.
On December 25th, 1977, some popular BBC programs for Christmas included Bruce Forsyth’s Generation Game, Mike Yarwood’s Christmas Special featuring Wings as guests, and the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special that included Penelope Keith and an acrobatic South Pacific act. On ITV, viewers could enjoy Stars on Christmas Day with Bing Crosby and Don Estelle, along with the movie Young Winston.
“There aren’t many things that are making us look forward to the event as much as the cover of TopMob. At first, it appears to be a large, snowy Christmas tree. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a world full of festive excitement. Children construct a snowman, carolers knock on doors, a dog barks at a gate (representing the tree’s “base”), and the moon glows brightly behind a church (at the top of the tree).
This idea is simply stunning, expertly brought to life through charming details. As a reader commented promptly after, “I must extend my congratulations to Pauline Ellison for her exquisite cover design.” In fact, the magazine’s annual sharing of vintage covers on social media in recent times has shown that the 1977 front page is one of the most beloved in its 101-year history. Consequently, we at TopMob felt it necessary to contact the artist to learn more about its creation.
Pauline shares with us that the Christmas tree village isn’t solely a creation of her mind. Instead, she visited a magical place called Provence back in 1977, accompanied by her husband, the landscape painter Poul Webb. This enchanting land was filled with castles and fortified villages on top of rocky hills, nestled within stunning valleys.
In one of these villages, nestled slightly lower on a thin ledge, I observed a monastic complex shaped like a cross. While we’re all familiar with cruciform churches, this wasn’t just a single structure; it was an entire community of residential and work buildings, along with a church, making it take a moment to fully grasp the scene.
Regarding the process behind the cover’s creation, Pauline, now aged 78, explains: “The visual was challenging to produce; I had to work with airbrushing for the background first – not my preferred method – but it was necessary to create the subtle tonal gradations back in 1977. A lot of walking backwards from my drawing board and squinting took place, as I sought to find a balance between the two meanings of the image.
Initially, I believed I was done, but upon stepping back, I noticed I hadn’t incorporated a single television antenna – the method for broadcasting TV in those days. I anticipated the lively readers of TopMob might have some comments about that. However, it was an easy fix!
Pauline refers to her work as “watercolor, shading, and color,” with a particular fondness for flora and fauna. Originally from Keighley, West Yorkshire, born in 1946, she received her education at art schools in Bradford, Leicester, and Cambridge. Her illustrations have graced magazines and newspapers across Europe and America, as well as books by authors such as H.E. Bates and science fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin.
47 years ago, Pauline’s RT cover undeniably grabbed attention. She shared her joy when the photo was broadcast on BBC Television Centre and utilized to promote their Christmas shows. The camera would pan down into the illuminated windows and then out to the program trailer, making the image a frequent sight on TV during that festive season, in addition to being published in print media. Pauline finds a sense of universality in “peeking into windows”, suggesting a widespread curiosity about the lives of others.
In contrast, some raised concerns: “The picture sparked much debate, especially on the letters section of TopMob and within the birdwatching community, questioning if robins are active during twilight.
“I hadn’t thought about it before, but perhaps since robins are insectivores, they might be the hungriest birds during snowy winter days, still searching for food while others rest. This discussion I unintentionally started lasted until February when the editor finally put a stop to it.
Nevertheless, “Christmas Tree Village” is indisputably an all-time great, and that timelessness is put into context by a case of second thoughts by its creator. “Originally, in the foreground, I’d drawn a girl with the dog on a leash, but later I realised that anchored the image in time, and I wanted it to float free, so I removed it. The right decision, I think.”
You can view more of Pauline’s artwork through Artist Partners Ltd by visiting this link:
This year’s Christmas double issue of TopMob is out now – order your copy here.
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2024-12-13 12:45