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Elfin Oak

Elfin Oak is the stump of a 900-year-old oak tree in Kensington Gardens, London. Carved and painted to resemble a living home for elves, gnomes, fairies, and small animals, it was originally a hollow log donated by Lady Fortescue. The tree came from Richmond Park and was moved to Kensington Gardens in 1928 as part of George Lansbury’s public improvements scheme. Over the next two years, illustrator Ivor Innes carved the figures of the “Little People” into it, including Wookey the witch, Huckleberry the gnome, and several elves and brownies. The sculpture was restored in 1996 and later listed as a Grade II structure in 1997.

The Elfin Oak, a gnarled tree stump covered with small colorful figures inside a tall metal cage.
The Elfin Oak in Kensington Gardens, shown as a decorated tree stump protected by a tall metal cage.
October 2021 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Carved figures inside the Elfin Oak, including a jester, a bearded king in blue, and colorful elf-like characters gathered around a table.
Carved figures in the Elfin Oak in Kensington Gardens.
October 2011 © Garry Knight · CC BY 2.0
Detail of the Elfin Oak showing colorful sculpted figures embedded in a weathered tree trunk.
A close-up detail of the Elfin Oak in Kensington Gardens, with small colorful figures carved into the trunk.
October 2021 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Detail of the Elfin Oak showing colorful elf and gnome figures on its cracked bark.
A close-up detail of the Elfin Oak in Kensington Gardens, with small colorful figures tucked into the weathered trunk.
October 2021 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleeping gnome sculpture on the Elfin Oak, dressed in blue and green and holding a key against a weathered tree trunk.
A sleeping gnome detail on the Elfin Oak in Kensington Gardens, resting against the carved tree trunk with a key in hand.
October 2021 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleElfin Oak
Polish nameDąb Elfów

Historical context

TypeCarved and painted stump of an approximately 900-year-old oak tree
Moved to current location1928
Reason for movePart of George Lansbury's public improvements scheme in London

Location and ownership

Current locationKensington Gardens, London, England
Heritage designationGrade II listed structure

Discovery and provenance

Original locationRichmond Park
Gifted byLady Fortescue

Creator

CarverIvor Innes, illustrator

History and restoration

Restoration campaignIn 1996 Spike Milligan financed and led a successful campaign to restore it
Designation dateDecember 1997
Post-restoration conservation responsibilityMarcus Richards was responsible for restoration and conservation of the Elfin Oak thereafter
RestorationRestored in 1996 by students from Byam Shaw School of Art under the supervision of sculptor and conservationist Marcus Richards
Designation authorityHeritage Minister Tony Banks
Carving period1928–1930

Materials

MaterialOak wood

Appearance

Huckleberry the gnomeCarrying a bag of berries up the Gnomes' Stairway to the banquet in Bark Hall
Grumples and Groodles the elvesAwakened by Brownie, Dinkie, Rumplelocks, and Hereandthere, who are stealing eggs from a crow's nest
Wookey the witchShown with three jars of health, wealth, and happiness
Number of carved figures74 characters, called the "Little People"
Depicted figuresElves, gnomes, fairies, and small animals
Named carved figuresWookey the witch; Huckleberry the gnome; Grumples and Groodles the elves; Brownie, Dinkie, Rumplelocks, and Hereandthere

Significance

Related publicationA 1930 children's book written by Elsie Innes and illustrated by Ivor Innes, based on the Elfin Oak
Appearance in popular cultureShown on the inner cover of Pink Floyd's 1969 album Ummagumma in a photograph of David Gilmour
SupporterSpike Milligan was a lifelong fan of the tree