Elfin Oak, Historic carved oak sculpture in Kensington Gardens, England
The Elfin Oak is a hand-carved wooden sculpture in Kensington Gardens featuring detailed figures across the entire surface of an ancient oak trunk. The tree itself is over 900 years old and was brought from Richmond Park to its current location in the gardens.
The sculpture was donated to the public in 1928 when Lady Fortescue brought the ancient oak from Richmond Park to Kensington Gardens. The carvings were created in the years leading up to this gift, transforming the old timber into an artistic landmark.
The carvings tell stories of magical characters that the artist Ivor Innes brought to life in the wood over two years. Visitors walking around the tree can spot each figure and feel the connection to the playful imagination that inspired these creations.
The sculpture is located near the Princess Diana playground and remains open year-round. Public transportation options make it easy to reach, and the site sits within a popular garden area alongside other attractions.
The sculpture appears on the inside cover of Pink Floyd's 1969 album Ummagumma, where band member David Gilmour is shown beside it. This unexpected connection to music history makes the piece interesting to many fans visiting the gardens.
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