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
Kaleidoscope
Created by: Glebelands Primary SchoolLocation: King Richard III Visitor CentreThe whole school had the brief of diversity. They then represented this in their designs along with the school values of Empathy, Learning, Respect and Kindness. The whole school agreed that...
Geraldine
Created by: Gartree High SchoolLocation: This + That by LOROSAll of our KS3 students worked so hard in coming up with incredible design ideas for our elephant - exploring different cultures, the idea of loss and healing, and things that give us happiness and comfort....
Atlas
Created by: Ellesmere CollegeLocation: Westcotes LibraryEllesmere students have been looking at environmental issues this year. They wanted to highlight some of those issues in the design of Atlas and in his description. Green house gas emissions associated with food...
Dorothy
Created by: Dorothy Goodman SchoolLocation: Attenborough Arts Centre - The Salmon GalleryThe sculpture was delivered to the Vocational Sixth Form site of Dorothy Goodman School. Students got to see the elephant for the first time in an end of day assembly. They were...
Rosemary
Created by: Danemill Primary SchoolSponsored by: SimplifyLocation: Leicester Cathedral - Main HallAfter hearing about the ASHA charity and how they support children in the slums of India the Children of Danemill thought there would be no one better to look to for...
Effie
Created by: Church Hill Infant SchoolLocation: Leicester Guildhall- Great HallWe based the design on our school values. Each class was given a focus value to create a design for their section of the elephant. The five designs were; Teamwork, Excellence, Being Unique,...
Addai
Created by: Christ the King Catholic Voluntary AcademyLocation: Westcotes LibraryAll children had the chance to submit a design idea for our elephant. From nearly 200 designs, a selection from across year groups were picked to be included in our final design. The idea...
Sparkle
Created by: Christ Church & St Peter's Primary SchoolLocation: LOROS Bookshop - WindowThe whole school took part in a competition to design Sparkle. We really wanted her to represent the school, our values… and our sparkly edges! Someone mentioned the tea towels...
Artie
Created by: Charnwood ArtsSponsored by: Morningside (Aspire Pharma)Location: Attenborough Arts Centre- The Salmon GalleryCharnwood Arts is dedicated to promoting creativity, inclusion and community engagement through the arts. This is why our artists wanted to create...