Elfin Oak facts for kids
The Elfin Oak is a very special tree stump in Kensington Gardens, London. It's not just any stump; it's a 900-year-old oak tree that has been beautifully carved and painted. It looks like a magical home where elves, gnomes, fairies, and tiny animals live right inside its bark!
The Elfin Oak's Story
This amazing hollow log was a gift from Lady Fortescue. It originally came from Richmond Park. In 1928, it was moved to Kensington Gardens. This move was part of a plan by George Lansbury to improve public spaces in London.
Over the next two years, an artist named Ivor Innes worked on the tree. He carved and painted many small figures into the oak. These figures are known as the "Little People."
Who Lives in the Oak?
Ivor Innes created many fun characters for the Elfin Oak. Some of them include:
- Wookey the witch, who has three jars holding health, wealth, and happiness.
- Huckleberry the gnome, carrying a bag of berries. He's heading up the Gnomes' Stairway to a big banquet inside Bark Hall.
- Grumples and Groodles the Elves, who are waking up. Brownie, Dinkie, Rumplelocks, and Hereandthere are stealing eggs from a crow's nest nearby!
Ivor Innes's wife, Elsie, even wrote a children's book about the Elfin Oak in 1930. She wrote about how the tree has been home to magical creatures for centuries. She said they hide in its nooks and crannies. The tree is their hiding place by day and their party place at night. When the moon is full, the Elfin Clans come out to play!
A Famous Fan
The famous comedian Spike Milligan loved the Elfin Oak his whole life. In 1996, he helped lead a successful effort to have the tree fixed up. Students from the Byam Shaw School of Art restored the tree. They were led by artist Marcus Richards. Spike Milligan helped them by sharing his old photos of the tree. Marcus Richards still takes care of the Elfin Oak today.
In December 1997, the Elfin Oak was given a special status. It was declared a Grade II listed structure. This means it's an important historical building or structure that needs to be protected.
Images for kids
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A closer look at the tree's details
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A close-up of one of the figures on the tree
