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
Patch
Created by: Lucy HebdenLocation: King Power Stadium - Opposite Foxes FanstorePatch is a patchwork of football inspiration, celebrating the rich history of Leicester City Football Club - and its huge significance to the city and many dedicated fans. It features...
Bubbles the Elephant
Created by: Paul Simon Fox GoddardLocation: St Margaret's ChurchBubbles the Elephant is an eye catching design by Newark-based artist Paul Fox Goddard, known for his work that playfully blurs the line between the recognisable and the surreal. The elephant is entirely...
Remember Me
Created by: Anna ShuttSponsored by: Wilson Browne Solicitors & Mather JamieLocation: Inside This + That by LOROS, High StreetThe idea for Remember Me came from the way we often remember loved ones through photographs - a picture in time that brings back memories...
Helen
Created by: Wreake Valley Academy & Bradgate Sixth FormLocation: Leicester Guildhall - Great HallThe people of Wreake Valley Academy benefit from being in an area surrounded by fields and green space, so we only need to look out over our back fields to see the...
Woody
Created by: Woodland Grange Primary SchoolLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - opposite BootsOur elephant needed to reflect our school, one where the outdoors is important to us for so many reasons – this created our background for our elephant. After this we thought...
Pixie Bo
Created by: Wigston Multi Academy TrustLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - opposite BootsThe whole school set for homework the task of designing the elephant, from submissions of students, our design was created. Their brief was to include some music and sport and some...
VALUES-Ellie-Nelly-Nessa-Fant!
Created by: Voluntary Action LeicestershireSponsored by: MVPSLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - opposite BootsOur Clients at VALUES want the elephant to represent them! Loud, fun, colourful and they want to be SEEN. Our clients chose puzzle pieces as it is a recognised...
Shine
Created by: Ullesthorpe Church of England Primary SchoolLocation: Leicester Guildhall - Great HallShine celebrates everything about Ullesthorpe School, she is a joyful expression of creativity, belonging and the spirit of nature. Each class Willow, Maple, Birch and...
Popcorn
Created by: Topsham House Day NurseryLocation: Leicester Guildhall - Great HallWe wanted our elephant to be bright and colourful to make people smile, our artists were aged 8 months to 4 years old so using their handprints would make it personal and unique. Every...