Funky Trunk
Created by: Alison Carpenter- Hughes
Location: Haymarket Bus Station – Belgrave Gate
Overview
The inspiration for Funky Trunk was to create a bold and fun design, with a focus on bright colour and modern pattern. Leicester-based artist Alison Carpenter-Hughes has made her Elephant striking and impactful to encourage people to stop, look and find out more.
Location
Haymarket Bus Station – Belgrave Gate
Meet the Artist
Alison Carpenter – Hughes
I am an award-winning mixed-media artist, workshop facilitator and arts event organiser/ project manager. My practice is a process-driven exploration of material, with a current focus on textiles, and in particular free motion embroidery. I exhibit and sell artwork internationally, work on private and public commissions, including large scale installations and sculptures, and have taught art to people of all ages for twenty five years. I am also passionate about community arts and have co-organised events such as the Leicester Textiles Festival and the Textiles Takeover, and co-set up the Mission Magpie community hub in the Haymarket Shopping Centre. I was recently awarded the Arts Council ‘Develop Your Creative Practice’ fund and since September, I have been creating artworks for a solo exhibition in London next year.

Meet the Elephants
Ellie
Created by: Amy BourbonSponsored by: Marcol LtdLocation: Victoria Park - Queens Road EntranceEllie is a fully lifelike young African elephant. She is representing her kind as sadly her species is at risk of extinction. She loves welcoming visitors! Elephants like...
I’m All Ears
Created by: Katy DynesSponsored by: Highcross LeicesterLocation: Highcross - St Peters SquareWe all often forget to ask those important every day questions that really matter or make a difference. Artist Katy Dynes’ elephant, I'm All Ears, is adorned with a host of...
Legionary Maximus Elephantus
Created by: Karis YoungmanLocation: Jewry WallLegionary Maximus is proud to welcome you to the roman town of Ratae Corieltauvorum - Roman Leicester. Maybe you’ve come to take a bath or do some shopping in the Forum or the new Market hall? Maximus is happy to show you...
Harmony
Created by: Charlotte PepperSponsored by: Cambridge & Counties Bank Location: Abbey Park Pavilion CafeHarmony the elephant is a vibrant reflection of Leicester and its creatively rich community. It expresses the spirit of a diverse yet united city, whilst...
Trunk of Gold
Created by: Gayani AriyaratneLocation: Belgrave CircleThis design draws inspiration from Leicester’s vibrant wildflowers - which are an intricate part of the ecosystem - weaving together cultural, historical, and natural themes. Golden elephants have long been symbols...
Rose
Created by: Caroline CoatesLocation: The Rally - Soar Lane BridgeArtist Caroline Coates was inspired by growing up exploring the Grand Union Canal and other waterways on her late father's canal boat. Rose is a contemporary take on traditional canal art.The Rally -...
Sunflower
Created by: Reilly CreativeSponsored by: Oadby PlasticsLocation: The Clock TowerThis design has been inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic Sunflowers. The artists said: “His paintings reminded us of the amazing work LOROS does and how there are so many people who are...
Watch Out for the 9 O’clock Horses
Created by: Christina WigmoreSponsored by: uptonsteelLocation: Great Central SquareThe design of abstract ghostly horses and a child shouting a warning is based on a Victorian era Leicester folk tale parents used to get children into bed and asleep by 9pm. Before...
Elebug
Created by: Sarah & Anna HarrisonLocation: Abbey Park East - LakesideWho scurries up stalks and munches on aphids? With a handy trunk for watering plants? It’s Elebug! Can you spot her? Elebug is a colourful celebration of imagination and the natural world. This...