Ipswich's Elmer the Elephant art trail 'overwhelms' author
- Published
The inspiration behind an art trail of 55 brightly painted elephants said he was "overwhelmed" to see them.
David McKee, the children's author of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, has visited Ipswich for a tour around Elmer's "fantastic" Big Parade.
The writer and illustrator, also behind King Rollo and Mr Benn, said the sculptures were "absolutely brilliantly designed and painted".
The event has been set up by St Elizabeth Hospice, external to raise funds.
Mr McKee said: "I've never seen anything like I've seen in Ipswich, a town full of elephants which are absolutely brilliantly designed and painted."
It is "very flattering and overwhelming" he said as it "looks like a lot of pleasure and love has gone into making them".
The author said he would love to return for the auction of the herd on 3 October.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first publication of the Elmer books and also of St Elizabeth Hospice.
Similar trails are to take place in Plymouth and Tyne & Wear.
Paul Black, from publishers Andersen Press, said: "To be able to share that experience with David McKee, and for him to meet the people of Suffolk, is a unique opportunity."
Other sculptures on the trail include the Ed Sheeran-inspired Castle On The Hill elephant, Elmer Armstrong, Sir Elephant John, Elephantom of the Opera and Woolmer-I-Am - a reference to a woolly mammoth named Wool.i.am at Ipswich Museum.
They can be seen across the town centre, Christchurch Park, Holywells Parks and the waterfront.
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The trail has been organised by the hospice, which helps those with progressive and terminal illnesses, in partnership with Wild in Art and Andersen Press.
It is running until 7 September.
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