We found this guy in Thorndon Country Park, hidden away in a clearing in the trees. I had seen the wooden sculpture sitting in the rangers garden as I cycled by it a few weeks ago so we on the look out for it. He was a fullsize (6 and a bit foot) Gruffalo, carved out of a single bit of wood (form what I could tell), very impressive and really like the images in the book.
Only had my 2 Polaroid SX70's on me and I had just finished a pack of PX680 in the Tan SX, but had the Red SX loaded with PX70ColorShade FirstFlush that I purchased last October. The middle pod as started to degrade, but the film is still great. Last pack of it. Sad times.
Anyway, Samuel loves the Gruffalo stories but was a bit freaked being confronted by a 6' version, he wanted us to make sure it wasn't a real one before he would go near it. After Daddy & Mummy has shaken the Gruffalo's hand, he was more happy with touching it. Lauren shot the boys (Samuel still in his cycling helmet) on her camera here.
I am glad you liked it! He is indeed carved from a single piece of sweet chestnut that fell during the storms of the early 90's. Neil Bruce is the chain saw artist who created him and he also works as a full time ranger at Thorndon, we are lucky to have him! This carving was partially funded by Magic Light Pictures the company who created the animated film. You may see him appear in a documentary later in the year. Kind regards Jo Phillips Education Officer for ECC country Parks
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info Jo, its a very cool Gruffalo and Neil is a talent with the chainsaw!
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