The Elfin Oak in Kensington Gardens gets a sprinkle of magic
In Kensington Gardens, near to the entrance to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, lies an unassuming tree trunk of a mature oak. But take a closer look and you will see an assortment of elves, fairies, goblins, witches and forest animals inhabiting the Elfin Oak.
The Royal Parks charity, which manages London’s eight Royal Parks, has undertaken conservation repairs to the Grade II listed structure. As part of the works, 97 figurines including Wookey (the little old witch), Huckleberry (gnome) and Harebell (fairy) were expertly and sensitively restored.
The project was jointly funded by The Royal Parks charity and the Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. DBR Conservation, specialists in historic building conservation, were appointed to carry out the works.
The Elfin Oak was first unveiled on Friday 25 July in Kensington Gardens in 1930. Children’s book illustrator Ivor Innes carved miniature figurines around the natural features of a mature oak brought from Richmond Park, another one of London’s eight Royal Parks.
Over the last almost 100 years, the tree has delighted children and adults alike and even attracted the attention of celebrities. Actor Spike Milligan was involved in two of the previous restorations (mid-1960s and 1996), and Pink Floyd singer, David Gilmour was photographed standing in front of the Elfin Oak for the inside cover of the band’s fourth album ‘Ummagumma’.
Part of the works has also included improving the visibility and detail of the Elfin Oak, so that more people will stop and admire it. This has included making changes to the protective cage by removing the mesh lining and reducing the number of bars that encase the Elfin Oak.
Andy Williams, Park Manager for Kensington Gardens said:
“Kensington Gardens is one of the most magical parks for children and part of its appeal is the Elfin Oak, where elves, witches and owls inhabit a secret world. We are delighted to help restore this much-loved treasure back to its former glory. Huge thanks to the Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for their generous donation.”
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