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

Poppy

Poppy

Created by: St Peter & St Paul Pre- SchoolLocation: LOROS Market Street Shop - windowThe children were very excited when our baby elephant arrived and after a a discussion on names and a voting poll on our facebook page, Poppy was the favourite name. The children...

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Paddy

Paddy

Created by: St Patrick's Catholic Voluntary AcademyLocation: King Richard III Visitor CentreMeet ‘Paddy’ from Saint Patrick’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in the heart of the Belgrave area of Leicester. As the Patron Saint of our school, the image of Saint Patrick...

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Banjowe

Banjowe

Created by: St John the Baptist Primary SchoolLocation: Leicester Guidehall- Great HallThe school is a happy and diverse place, with children with heritage from all over the world. The pupils wanted to reflect their own cultural backgrounds in their design for Banjo,...

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The Day and Elephant Came to St. Cuthbert’s

The Day and Elephant Came to St. Cuthbert’s

Created by: St Cuthbert's C of E Primary SchoolLocation: Phoenix Cinema and Arts CentreAfter welcoming our elephant, the children created their own design and worked with our Arts specialist to illustrate our elephant and bring her to life.Phoenix Cinema and Arts...

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Sparky the Doodlephant

Sparky the Doodlephant

Created by: Sparkenhoe Primary SchoolSponsored by: Hastings DirectLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - John Lewis bridgeThe pupils were inspired by the art of Keith Haring, Mr Doodle and Doodle Boy. They considered all of the aspects of school life that make Sparkenhoe...

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Charnie

Charnie

Created by: South Charnwood High SchoolLocation: Phoenix Cinema and Arts CentreMany South Charnwood High School pupils joined our competition to design Charnie. Two joint winners and three runners-up were chosen for designs embodying school life. These pupils then...

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Hope

Hope

Created by: Snarestone Church of England Primary SchoolLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - John Lewis bridge Hope, our baby elephant, is a vibrant symbol of our school and village. One side features a swan, heron and kingfisher, representing our class names and a nod to...

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PUZZLE

PUZZLE

Created by: Sherrier C of E Primary SchoolLocation: Leicester Central Library - upstairsOur pupils designed Puzzle based on Sherrier's curriculum and our local community. The pupils had the chance to discuss what 'Sherrier' in Leicestershire meant to them and then...

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Nature

Nature

Created by: Rushey Mead AcademyLocation: Belgrave LibraryTwo student groups from Rushey Mead Academy took a lead on coordinating the decoration of the baby elephant. The Wildlife Warriors and Student Voice Action Team. They started by surveying the whole school for a...

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