Nelly is back for a wash

IH

01 May 2008

THE ELEPHANTS are returning to Leamington later this month.
The Elephant Circle seat sculpture, which used to sit outside the Royal Priors shopping centre before the Warwick Street extension was built, is being given a new home in Jephson Gardens - appropriately opposite the historic Elephant Wash off Leam Terrace.
During its relatively short life the £90,000 sculpture - three bronze elephants connected by a marble slab to form a circular bench - has had its share of ups and downs.
Created by sculptor Nicholas Dimbleby for the grand opening of the Priors by the Queen in the 1988, the sculpture was donated to Warwick District Council when the extension was built.
After years in storage the sculpture finally saw the light of day again in the revamped Spencer Yard - only for thieves to snatch one of the one-tonne elephants.
But Mr Dimbleby recast another elephant and the refurbished sculpture will be unveiled at its new home on May 24.
And Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum is having an elephant themed month to celebrate the town's links with elephants, which stretch back to the 19th century when elephants were first brought to Leamington by Sam Lockhurst, a world famous elephant trainer born in the town in 1850. He travelled the world with his three circus trained elephants known as The Three Graces.
During May visitors to the gallery and museum are invited to record stories they have heard, recollections and drawings about elephants in Leamington - which will be displayed as part of the celebrations. Other events include:
• May 2, 1pm - Louise Piper, Warwick District Council Arts Development Officer, ten minute talk about the sculpture Elephant Circle. Free.
• May 9, 1pm - Local historian Robin Scott ten minute talk on the Elephant Wash where the elephants went down to the river to bathe. Free.
• May 22, 6pm to 7.30pm - Sculptor Nicholas Dimbleby discusses the Elephant Circle. Admission £3 per person. Advance booking only. Call 01926 742700.
• May 24 - Jephson Gardens - official unveiling of the sculpture noon to 3pm. Events and activities for the whole family.

The Elephant sculpture in happier times - at its unveiling in Spencer Yard in the summer of 2006.

The sculpture at its original home at the Royal Priors.

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