Traditional German tree at Tate - 22/12/09

The Tate Britain in London is showcasing a Christmas tree decorated with real beeswax candles this festive season, created by artist Tacita Dean.

Ms Dean, who was nominated for the Turner Prize in 1998, said her tree was inspired by German traditions, after she spent time living in Berlin.

She said: "I was struck when I arrived in Berlin by the simplicity of Christmas there. I felt the Germans had managed to hold on to something of its purity and magic despite commercial pressures.?

"They have a great tradition of Christmas decorations and are still unafraid to have real candles on their trees."

Each day at 4pm, the candles on the four-metre fir will be lit, burning out by 6pm when the gallery closes.

In addition to the tree, Ms Dean has designed the gallery's Christmas card, featuring a photograph of a tree from 19th Century Palestine.

She said: "The picture was from the 1870s and the lack of conflict between the people sitting under the tree impressed me.

"It was a perfect image for a Christmas card as well because of the relationship between Palestine and Christmas."

Traditional German tree at Tate - 22/12/09

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