Bricabracadocio: South Bank Elephants

In the latish afternoon last Thursday 17th June, I walked over the Golden Jubilee bridge to cross the Thames to the South Bank.

Here's the first ellie of the bunch, Brambles, #89. This beautiful elephant was created by Diana Ralston. Her Inspiration: "The fast disappearing Rural English Countryside".

Aren't the toenails fabulous?

I have a particular weakness for this next beautiful elephant - #61, Shaanti Haathi was created by Arabella Sim. Artist's Inspiration: "I have used the symbol of the Poppy on my elephant because this flower is ephemeral and delicate in the extreme but it is a survivor and symbol of peace. By contrast the very existence of the elephant, though a physically powerful and noble creature, is seriously under threat in Asia."

This next elephant is #157, Deliverance, created by Loz Atkinson. Artist's Inspiration: "The dark, almost apocalyptic sky is eclipsed by the peaceful freedom of the open birdcage and birds in flight. This gives a sense of hope in an ominous situation, reflecting the amazing work of elephant family in Asia and I hope will awaken something positive in onlookers."

This next poor ellie has been a bit bashed and battered. #129 - this beautiful elephant named Sally was created by Joanna May. Artist's Inspiration: "One of Joanna's best loved subjects is the 'Hare'. She illustrates this, taking a piece of Wiltshire up to London. The design incorporates mystical scenes of the moon, stars and crop circles; and connects the hare to the fertility goddess." I don't know about all that, but it does look very like Nicole Kidman to me!

Here is Sally's other side - the hare.

The next elephant is her partner here seen at the back, #161 Maureen. This lovely, cheerful happy elephant was created by Mackenzie Thorpe. Artist's Inspiration: "I wanted to create the elephant in honour of my mother (Maureen) and the colours are inspired from my daughters first bedroom".

This elephant was kindly sponsored by Mackenzie Thorpe himself.

For the next lot of elephants, I was a bit confused as to their location. So I turned back on myself and walked to the front of Royal Festival Hall, to the market square. This is where I found #136, Julia's Elephant, created by Joseph Paxton. Artist's Inspiration: "My initial concept was to show these magnificent animals alongside other animals with which they coexist in certain parts of the world, showing that they are all part of a connected chain. I want the energy of the charcoal lines to give life to the surface of the sculpture, echoing the incredible marks and textures of an elephant’s skin." This elephant was kindly sponsored by HSS Hire.

Further along Queen's Walk, towards Hungerford Bridge, here is 117 Untitled, created by India Jane Birley. Artist's Inspiration: "My late fathers house".

This next elephant #177 named Utopia was created by Mitch Freeman. Artist's Inspiration: "I wanted to use an original image I have been revisiting and redesigning since 1992." This elephant was kindly sponsored by Mitch Freeman. It looks very Art Deco to me!

This is #121, James Bond. A master of understatement, I think? This elephant named James Bond was created by Oliver Lloyd & Lucy Fleming. Artists Inspiration: "James Bond started on the page and was then brilliantly reimagined on the screen. Manuscripts and screenplays are nothing but words. Bond is universally loved, as are elephants, and we hope that this double-0 elephant will raise much needed money to help ensure their future." This elephant was kindly sponsored by Lucy Fleming. Not such a great angle for Monsieur 007, but you can see the lovely setting.