Harry the Dryadephant

Created by: Laura Bowden
Sponsored by: Dryad Education
Location: The Circle – New Walk

Overview

The sculpture is inspired by the Leicester based company Dryad Handicrafts – founded in 1907 – and its main founder Harry Hardy Peach.

Dryad became influential designers and crafters of cane & rattan furniture during the Arts & Crafts movement in the UK.

Artist LOZZIBF23’s interpretation features many of the intricacies of the repeat patterns and design details used in Dryad’s wickerweave furniture – as if showcased at the World Fair of 1910.

Location

The Circle – New Walk

Meet the Artist

Laura Bowden (LOZZIEBF23)

Originally from Bristol but currently living in Exeter I started working life as a Graphic assistant in Screen Printing before freelancing, private commissions and sign writing as my main source of income.

Artistic pursuits then put on hold for travelling, living my best life and raising a family as a stay at home mum until both children finished University and flew the nest. So it is only in the last 4 years I have found my way back to my art.

Last year I was fortunate enough to be selected to paint one of my designs on a Shaun the Sheep for the Brighton & Hove 2023 art trail. ‘Masquerade’ later sold at auction generating £3,200 for Martlets Hospice care. Lot 16 @shaunbythesea on Instagram. Such a privilege and an unforgettable experience.

I still work totally analog and really enjoy the whole design and creation process, producing bold, punchy stylised artwork using bright colours and metallic acrylic paints. My style is heavily influenced by my love of all things Arts & Crafts, Art Deco and Art Nouveau. 

Meet the Sponsor

Dryad Education

We are a leading supplier of Art, Design and Technology resources to educational establishments, students and artists worldwide.

Our extensive range includes over 28,000 products, including our own Specialist Crafts brand, offering high-quality art materials at sensible prices. Our in-house experts continuously try, test, and develop the range, staying ahead of the trends to ensure you have access to the latest products and techniques

Meet the Elephants

Phoenix

Phoenix

Created by: Kibworth Mead AcademyLocation: Highcross Upper Mall- John Lewis bridgeWith representatives from across the KMA community, the team spent time discussing ideas and planning their individual patches before embarking upon the paint stage. They each created a...

read more
The Sum of Our Parts

The Sum of Our Parts

Created by: Jess PerrinLocation: Highcross Upper Mall- outside Timberland / Holland & BarrettThe Sum of our Parts is based on the concept that everybody is made up of the four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. In many cultures it is believed that once we die,...

read more
Ivy

Ivy

Created by: Iveshead SchoolLocation: Peppercorns Cafe - Abbey ParkIvy is the result of over 200 design ideas submitted by Iveshead students that we have combined to make a patchwork of student's creativity. Peppercorns Cafe - Abbey ParkMeet the Elephants

read more
Hathi

Hathi

Created by: India Inspired CraftsLocation: Belgrave LibraryOur sculpture has been decorated in beautiful, colourful mandalas and paisleys. Hand painted by India Inspired Crafts workshop members using bright, bold colours and embellished in gold and silver detailing....

read more
Elphis Presley ‘The King of Elephants’

Elphis Presley ‘The King of Elephants’

Created by: Humphrey Perkins School Location: Leicester Cathedral- GalleryThe school held a competition for the design of Elphis. Our winning students merged their designs to create an ultimate design for Elphis.The design for Elphis is a combination of mandala...

read more
Daisy

Daisy

Created by: Highcliffe Primary SchoolSponsored by: MertruxLocation: Lyme Regis: Leicester Cathedral - Main HallThe whole school took part in a competition to design Daisy. Pupils and govenors then picked winning entries from each key stage. We took elements from each...

read more
Duncan (the creative Elephant)

Duncan (the creative Elephant)

Created by: Herewoode AcademySponsored by: AMPA FoundationLocation: DMU - The GalleryStudents were challenged to design an elephant in the style of their favourite artist to represent the diversity of cultures and styles within the school. The best sixteen were given...

read more
Mertie

Mertie

Created by: Haymarket Shopping Centre Community HubLocation: Haymarket Shopping Centre- Community Hub (Window)The children at the Merton were very excited at the prospect of receiving an elephant to design. Following a whole school assembly, where we were joined by...

read more
Florence

Florence

Created by: Gorse Covert Youth ProjectLocation: Leicester Central Library - UpstairsThe starting point was “What does the community centre mean to you?” the images on Florence reflect the activities and opportunities available to people of all ages who use the...

read more