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
Sir Stomp-alot
Created by: AngusLocation: Orton SquareMeet 'Sir Stomp-a-lot', a truly unique elephant! Covered entirely in coins - from shiny 2 pence pieces to £2 coins - every inch of his body, from his trunk right down to his tail, gleams with metal. Because he's made from these...
Morris
Created by: Sian TezelLocation: Bede Park - Stone CircleMorris is inspired by the artist William Morris, who designed a wallpaper pattern named ‘Leicester’. Instead of the yellow daisies on the original design, artist Sian Tezel has substituted forget-me-nots to...
XL
Created by: Alex EchoSponsored by: NEXTLocation: Bath House LaneInvited by proud Stomp Round Leicester partners NEXT, internationally renowned artist Alex Echo happily became an elephant painter, saying: “LOROS and NEXT told me the elephant was extra-large (XL), and...
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...
Pastellie
Created by: Lena KibblerSponsored by: Arthur Prince GroupLocation: Church of St Mary de CastroPastellie is a combination of different cultures in pattern. Spirals for a journey through a life of transformations. Circles for community and friendship. Triangles and...
Twist and Stomp
Created by: Natalie RatcliffeSponsored by: WillsowLocation: Highcross Uppr Mall - John Lewis BridgeTwist and Stomp brings joy and sparkle to the LOROS Hospice Stomp Round Leicester herd! She is a shining patchwork of colourful lucky stars - a trait often associated...
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...
Flora & Fauna
Created by: Sara BudzikSponsored by: Crosscut MediaLocation: De Montfort SquareFlora & Fauna is a celebration of the wildlife of Leicestershire. The artist, Sara Budzik, took inspiration from family visits to Bradgate Park, and the different creatures and plants...