Fossilphant
Created by: Donna Newman
Sponsored by: Ford & Slater
Location: Leicester Museum & Art Gallery – New Walk
Overview
Fossilphant is a captivating sculpture inspired by the rich fossil heritage of Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire, home to the earliest fossilised evidence of life on Earth. It’s painted to resemble a fossilised skeleton, its bones subtly integrated into textured rock, as though it has been unearthed from an ancient, forgotten era. Surrounding the elephant are detailed plant and animal fossils, evoking the prehistoric landscape that inspired David Attenborough’s childhood adventures in the forest. Fossilphant honours the deep connection between nature, history, and the wonder of discovery, capturing the essence of life that thrived in Charnwood’s ancient soils.
Location
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery – New Walk
Meet the Artist
Donna Newman
Donna Newman is the Artist behind Eden-designs Murals. Working with Schools across the Midlands, she seeks to inspire young people by transforming their learning environments with her vibrant artwork. A fine Art graduate from Coventry University, Donna responds to clients with creativity and flair producing original, playful designs in a wide variety of subjects. She is a self-proclaimed addict of public art trails and has worked closely with Wild in Art on over 100 sculpture commissions helping to raise over £400,000 for charities through their sales. Working in numerous locations and on various surfaces, Donna is an extremely versatile artist who brings colour and life through her art.
Meet the Sponsor
Ford & Slater
Ford & Slater is one of the UK’s largest DAF Trucks dealerships and a proud family-run business.
We’re honoured to support LOROS Hospice, recognising their incredible work and helping ensure their compassionate care continues for those who need it most.

Meet the Elephants
Daisy
Created by: Brookvale Groby Learning CampusLocation: Lyme Regis: Haymarket Shopping Centre- Central SquareThe whole school had the opportunity to participate in this exciting fundraiser and take part in a whole school design competition. The design needed to...
Superkind
Created by: Burton-on-the-Wolds Primary SchoolSponsored by: Fleet Auction GroupLocation: Highcross Upper Mall- John Lewis BridgeThe whole school is on a mission to change the world! We believe that it is everyone's responsibility to do their bit to make the world a...
Bringo
Created by: Bringhurst Primary SchoolLocation: This + That by LOROSEvery child in the school contributed to Bringo’s design. EYFS, Year 1 and 2 began by printing brightly coloured shapes using sponges. After this, Key Stage 2 added designs to the shapes as well...
Hampi
Created by: Bridge Junior SchoolLocation: LCB Depot - WindowThe children at Bridge Junior captured their favourite elements of Leicester, our school, ethos, community and culture to design our baby elephant named Hampi. Their detailed ideas were illustrated by hand on...
Hope
Created by: Bosworth AcademySponsored by: Clarendon Speciality FastenersLocation: DMU - The GalleryThe pupils designed their elephant to celebrate, diversity, inclusion and everybody matters.DMU - The GalleryMeet the Elephants
Woody
Created by: Booth Wood AcademyLocation: Leicester Cathedral (Main Hall)The whole school were invited to take part in a design competition - the theme was bright and bold. We were blown away by the number of entries we got and by the enthusiasm of the children. It was...
Small Hands Big Hearts
Created by: BAPS Shri Swaninarayan MandirSponsored by: QDOSLocation: LOROS Market Street Shop- WindowThe design features beautifully bloomed flowers, each brought to life with the gentle fingerprints of children from the BAPS community. This heartfelt artwork...
Badgerbrook Bubbles
Created by: Badgerbrook Primary SchoolLocation: Phoenix Cinema and Arts CentreThe Tusk Force came together to discuss the design ideas for their sculpture. They wanted to incorporate the colours of the school and the ethos of what it means for everyone to work...
Elmer
Created by: Avanti Fields SchoolLocation: Peppercorns Cafe - Abbey ParkWe held a competition to design our elephant across the whole of the secondary school. The ideas came flooding in and our final design was a compilation of 15 different submissions. Over a period...