... emerging from a storybook rainforest ...                     (Click to enlarge)

ELEPHANT`S WATERWORKS

1992

North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke.
Funded by sponsorship: Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council & Trust Funds, The Chase Charity, and The Hayward Foundation.

An 'ENGLISH ELEPHANT' emerges from a storybook rainforest, an image inspired by the existing mural commissioned for the Children's Courtyard, near the main entrance at Basingstoke Hospital.

The sculpture can be enjoyed whether working as a water feature or not. The ELEPHANT, no bigger than a baby 'Ellie' himself, is designed to be appealing to children and grown-ups alike. Tucked into a niche in the play area, the piece has a calming effect - all the more melodic when the water is switched on.

Designed with safety and low maintenance as primary concerns, many hours were spent consulting Nursing and Maintenance staff to clarify the hazards and requirements.

The water is piped from a concealed tank up through the elephant's trunk and into the foliage above the elephant' head. It fills up the 'leaves' and trickles down in front of the elephant, returning safely and soothingly to the tank below.

Soon after the ELEPHANT'S WATERWORKS was installed in the courtyard on the ground floor, the Hospital Trust decided to have the small version - the working maquette - installed on the ward - so that children who were unable to get to the play area could enjoy the piece at close quarters.

Category:
Flora
Fauna

This piece was commissioned.

Location: Outdoor

Size: Large

This piece can be viewed by the public.

Dimensions: Approx 180 cm H

Medium: Bronze

Edition size: UNIQUE

Collection: Basingstoke and North Hampshire NHS Foundation (Basingstoke Hospital) Aldermaston Road RG24 9NA

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