“It’s pure magic”: Lydia Kusami Shirreff on Livraria Lello’s Christmas Window Displays

Meet Lydia Kasumi Shirreff

With a background in fine arts and a career spanning more than a decade, Lydia Kasumi Shirreff stands out for the unique paper sculptures she creates for sets, art installations, advertising and fashion. The London-based artist's portfolio already includes brands such as Chanel, The Guardian, Allure Magazine and The Ritz London.  

Her skill with paper transported us to the magic of pop-up books, and we quickly realised that she would be the perfect artist to bring to life the Christmas window displays inspired by The Wizard of Oz. But what did Shirreff think of all this?
 

LL: How did it feel being invited to work on Livraria Lello’s Christmas displays this year? 

LKS: An invite to work with the world’s most beautiful bookshop? Of course I was thrilled. I’ve always loved books, I grew up surrounded by them - my parents home is insulated by literature. I’ve never been to Porto, or seen Livraria Lello, so once I received the invite I took a deep dive into images and the history of the building. It’s pure magic, the chance to work with them is a dream come true. 

LL: What did you think about the concept presented to you: an installation inspired by how friendship empowers us, using The Wizard of Oz as a sort of creative torch? 

LKS: I thought the ideas behind the project were very intriguing, I loved that there was a complex theme running behind it, rather than purely celebrating Christmas. Rather, Christmas became the backdrop for what is essentially a story about friendship and love overcoming diversity. Once I saw the Livraria Lello’s children’s publication of the story I knew I wanted to adapt the illustrations for the display. I have a 4 year old so have become a bit of a children’s book snob, but I instantly loved these illustrations. They have a wonderful balance of charming innocence and colourful detail that worked perfectly with the theme.  

I haven’t read the book for a long time, but was familiar with the story from the film. My main takeaway from the film was that feeling of wonder when it changes from black and white to glorious Technicolor. I wanted that feeling of colour and sparkle and childlike wonder to be present in the display.

LL: So the concept looked good on paper. Looking good in paper is a whole other story. Was that ‘translation’ tricky? 

LSK: I’ve been a paper artist for quite a while now, and the most rewarding part of the job is to come up against new challenges and use the techniques I’ve gathered to figure out the solution. Every project I do is unique and has its own limitations to abide by and puzzles to solve. On this occasion, the scale was key. I knew I wanted it to have a presence. Windows are exciting because it’s like you’re dressing a stage, and the viewer has the opportunity to see it from very close up. Its function is to attract attention and hold it, but it can also be a very personal experience. 

LL: What did the overall process look like, compared to previous work you’ve done? 

LSK: This was a fun project for sure. My studio will be covered in glitter for years and I have no regrets. Everything always starts with a sketch. My next step was to make small model to help figure out the scale. From there I went straight in and started making the pieces for the display. I work intuitively most of the time, problem solving as I go. I find once something is tangible in my hands I can see how it will work a few steps ahead. 

LL: Are you excited about coming to Porto? 

LSK: Simply, yes. I can’t wait to see Porto and explore Livraria Lello, and I can’t wait to see the display all put together. Because of the nature of the build, it had to be made in pieces, so I haven’t actually seen it all together yet. So it’s a nervous excitement, and I really hope the people who see it love it as much as I do.