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

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...

read more
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...

read more
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,...

read more
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...

read more
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...

read more
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...

read more
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...

read more
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...

read more
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...

read more