Our sea of snowdrops at Down House

Discover how our beautiful installation came together.

We formed a mesmerising installation of 1,300 snowdrops in the grounds of Down House, the former home of Charles Darwin, this February.

Each unique hand-forged snowdrop was designed and made by The Old Smithy blacksmiths in Lincolnshire specially for St Christopher’s and featured a new design for 2023.

Down House garden volunteers created the installation directed by the Head Gardener. The installation was hosted by English Heritage at Down House free of charge to St Christopher’s, for which we are very grateful.

Each of the 1,300 snowdrops represents one of the patients being cared for by St Christopher’s at any one time.

All donations to dedicate a snowdrop help us provide expert end of life care and support to patients and their families today.

The snowdrop is the first flower to push through the earth after the frosts of winter and brings with it a sense of hope. You can watch how our Snowdrops were made by the wonderful Stefanos and family in the video below. It’s not too late to dedicate your own snowdrop, which you’ll then be able to cherish forever in memory of your loved one. To dedicate click here or visit www.stchristophers.org.uk/snowdrops.

In memory of Stefanos Tampouras, the creator of the St Christopher’s snowdrops

Stefanos Tampouras, affectionately known as ‘The Old Smithy’, sadly died on 27 December 2022. Without the talented and creative Stefanos, ‘Snowdrops for St Christopher’s’ would not have become a reality.

Our first snowdrop installation in 2021 raised over £85,000 and enabled people to come together to view the snowdrops, just as the pandemic lockdown restrictions were lifted. When we decided to create a new snowdrop design and installation for 2023, Stefanos again brought his creative energy to the task.

Stefanos was in the midst of forging and painting the St Christopher’s snowdrops when he sadly died. His legacy lives on in the beautiful display created at Down House and in the family he leaves behind, who are continuing the work of the Old Smithy. In the words of his wife, Roz:

“The heart and soul of ‘The Old Smithy’ is now flying high. His hammer lies silent on his anvil. His love for you all will be remembered in his beautiful art and sculptures”.

Check out how Stefanos made the Snowdrops in the video below.