10 Elephant sculptures on display at Elephant Park in celebration of the 30th birthday of popular children’s book

BY JULIA SMITH
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A special trail of 10 elephant sculptures are being displayed in a park to celebrate the 30th birthday of a popular children’s book.

Primary schools, pensioners, youth groups and residents were involved in designing the sculptures that can be found in Elephant Park.

The sculptures are inspired by Elmer, one of the most widely read children’s book series.

It has sold more than eight million copies and has been translated into 50 languages.

Each sculpture includes an anagram for visitors to solve. Once completed, they can submit their answers for a chance to win a special Elmer prize pack.

Libraries across Southwark will be joining in, with Elmer-themed storytelling events and parent and baby sessions during the week beginning September 16.

Elmer fans can look forward to a day of free activities in Elephant Park on August 29.

These include a performance from the Blue Elephant Theatre, an Elmer-themed tea party and craft activities.

The trail is free to visit until the end of October, when the sculptures will be auctioned and all proceeds will go to support local community causes.

Elmer’s author, David McKee, said: “It has been fantastic to see Elmer go off on his own adventures over the past 30 years, but never has he appeared in his namesake, Elephant Park. I can’t wait to see generations of
Londoners coming together in Elephant Park to see these colourful, inspiring, brilliant sculptures based on Elmer.”

Co-founder and managing director of Wild in Art, Charlie Langhorne, said: “We passionately champion the importance of art for everybody and the social, cultural and educational benefits which it provides.

“The Elmer sculptures are a fantastic spectacle and showcase a wonderful wealth of artistic talent. We hope everyone will enjoy discovering them.”