Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Comes to Town
January 3, 2024
BID Consultations
February 26, 2024
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant will be coming to Eastbourne in 2024 for a celebratory anniversary visit – and bringing 11 of his Elmer friends with him for Elmer’s Art Parade Eastbourne.
Your Eastbourne BID is organising a trail of 12 decorated Elmer sculptures based on David McKee’s beloved book series around the town centre for children to spot.
Elmer’s Art Parade Eastbourne, inspired by the town’s status as a centre of artistic excellence and home of this year’s Turner Prize, will be in position from 10th February until 14th April.
David McKee wrote and illustrated 30 Elmer books since 1989 and the popular series has sold more than ten million copies in 60 languages around the world.
Stephen Holt, Your Eastbourne BID CEO, said, “We are delighted to welcome Elmer to the town.
“This iconic children’s book character is much-loved and is celebrating his 35th year in Eastbourne.
“This art trail is timed perfectly with the celebration of the Turner Prize in the town. It includes 12 sculptures for people to find, tick off, and decipher a word puzzle with a letter hidden on each sculpture to win an Elmer prize.
“Each of the sculptures will be a take on a classic artist.
“We are also delighted that two brand new – never seen before – Elmers will be created, one inspired by Luther Gotz and his colourful mural on the Towner, and another by Eastbourne’s international tennis competition.”
Charlie Langhorne, MD and co-Founder of Wild in Art said, “We are delighted to be working with Your Eastbourne and our long-term partners and friends at Andersen Press. The trail will bring colour, wonder and smiles to the streets of Eastbourne and will be enjoyed by young and old alike.”
Paul Black, PR and Brand Director at Andersen Press, said, “There’s no better place to celebrate Elmer’s 35th Birthday this year in Eastbourne with its incredible links to the modern art world and colourful landmarks. We can’t wait to see the Elmer Sculptures in place!”
Elmer will also be making a splash in the town when we celebrate World Book Day on 7th March 2024!
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About Elmer
Elmer celebrates 35 years of publication by Andersen Press and remains one of the most iconic and widely read children’s book series of all time, selling over 10 million copies worldwide since it was first published by Andersen Press in 1989. Written and illustrated by celebrated children’s author and artist David McKee, the Elmer books have been translated into more than 60 languages and now new books, toys and clothing add to the world of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.
A beloved classic and firm family favourite, David McKee’s iconic and brightly coloured patchwork elephant is the ambassador for friendship and celebrating everyone’s own true colours.
About the Author
David McKee (1935 – 2022) was the creator of well-known characters including King Rollo, Mr Benn and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, which is now published in more than 60 languages and has its own successful global merchandise programme. David was born in Devon and went to Plymouth Art College, where he had a traditional training. On leaving college he drew regularly for Punch, Reader’s Digest, and The Times Educational Supplement. His drawings were influenced especially by Saul Steinberg and Andre Francois. In 2020 David won the British Book Awards Illustrator of the Year Award and BookTrust’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
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