Wooden animalsout of hibernation!
Three giant wooden animals will soon be on display once more, enthralling visitors to Poole with memories from a bygone era!
Poole Museum and Lighthouse Poole will be hosting the play sculptures – a mahogany hippo, whale and turtle, which have been in storage at Poole Museum.
Originally installed in the Dolphin Centre (formerly the Arndale Centre) in 1969, these sculptures by renowned artist Peter Hand, who was a lecturer at Bournemouth College of Art for 20 years from the mid-60s, were designed for children to climb, slide, and explore.
For decades they were a cherished part of Poole’s public art and play landscape, evoking fond memories for generations of local families during shopping trips, until they were taken off display in 1997.
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 - a feat that took meticulous planning, and nerves of steel!
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.”
The turtle and whale are on display at Lighthouse, Poole, welcoming visitors with their timeless charm. 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.”
John Grinnell, Dolphin Centre Manager added,
“We’re proud to donate these iconic wooden animals to Poole Museum. They’ve played a special role in the lives of local families and helped shape the identity of the Centre. Their return celebrates Poole’s cultural heritage and the importance of preserving public art that connects generations.”
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.
