Myer will this year bring to life the work of beloved Australian author and illustrator May Gibbs for its 64th season of iconic Christmas windows. This year’s theme at the flagship Bourke Street, Melbourne store and at Brisbane Myer City is Gumnut Babies – An Adventure Away From Gumnut Land.
A talented author, artist and illustrator, May Gibbs is famed for encapsulating the Australian spirit with her enduring children’s book characters, the Gumnut Babies. As a pioneering environmentalist and generous philanthropist, she bequeathed her copyright to two leading charities upon her passing; Northcott – Australia’s largest not- for-profit disability service and Cerebral Palsy Alliance – service provider for children and adults living with cerebral palsy and other neurological and physical disabilities.
Each Christmas window will see May Gibbs’ most recognisable characters – the Gumnut Babies – take over the department store, reimagined as a magical bush fairy wonderland. Scenes include the Gumnut Babies playing in an Australiana-themed Myer Beauty Department, and even exploring a bush fairy inspired Giftorium. Visitors are encouraged to continue their Australian fairy-tale adventure inside the store, with May Gibbs inspired decorations on each shop floor.
Beginning with conceptualisation, then moving through to construction and installation with testing done in secret at night, preparation for the Myer Windows is a feat twelve months in the making. This year, forty artisans worked tirelessly to create 136 Gumnut characters, 102 of which are animated in addition to 800 hand cut and painted gum leaves, 26 gum leaf pods, a one metre tall animated koala and a five metre long blue tongue lizard to name a few of the magical creations.
Brand management agency Merchantwise, worked closely with Myer and creative partner Stage 1 in the development of the windows and in store theming. May Gibbs Brand Manager Rosalie May said, “We’re thrilled with how it’s all come together, the windows and in store theming looks amazing and is a wonderful tribute to May Gibbs’ work”.
The Myer Christmas Windows have been synonymous with Australian Christmas tradition since 1956. Today, more than 1.2 million Australian and international visitors enjoy the Windows which are open from Sunday, 10 November until Sunday 5 January.
This Christmas, A Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Christmas: Precious Gift Edition Book Set is available exclusively to Myer stores nationally RRP $19.99. Beautifully presented in a keepsake slipcase, the gift set includes A Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Christmas storybook, and festive gift tags.
Visit Santa at Myer stores across Australia to receive your free May Gibbs Gumnut Babies Colouring Book.
