Two giant wooden animals are on display once more, enthralling visitors to Poole with memories from a bygone era.
Lighthouse is hosting the mahogany play sculptures of a whale and a turtle, which have been in storage at Poole Museum, where a third, a hippo, will be on display when the Museum reopens this autumn.
Originally installed in the Dolphin Poole (formerly the Arndale Centre) in 1969, the sculptures by renowned artist Peter Hand, who was a lecturer at Bournemouth College of Art for 20 years from the mid-1960s, were designed for children to climb, slide, and explore.
For nearly 30 years, until they were taken off display in 1997, they were a cherished part of Poole’s public art and play landscape, evoking fond memories for generations of local families during shopping trips.
After being donated to Poole Museum in 2023, the animals have been carefully preserved during the museum’s redevelopment.
Now, they’re ready to make their grand reappearance – the hippo has already been installed inside Poole Museum, dramatically lifted through a third-floor window, while the turtle and whale are on display at Lighthouse, welcoming visitors with their timeless charm.
Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communication and Culture at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, who own and operate Poole Museum said: “These sculptures are more than just art – they’re part of Poole’s collective memory. We’re excited to see them back in the public eye, sparking joy and nostalgia for those who remember them, and inspiring curiosity in a new generation of fans.”
Elspeth McBain, Lighthouse Chief Executive said: “We’re delighted to welcome the whale and the turtle – it sounds like the title of a children’s play! They look very happy in our foyer where they have been meeting lots of old friends and making plenty of new ones.”
Poole Museum is at the end of a £10 million redevelopment, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, BCP Council, Arts Council England, Heritage England and many other generous funders and partners.
The museum is set to reopen in just a few weeks, and the return of these iconic animals marks a joyful milestone in its transformation.
(NC)