Retro Wooden Animals Roar Back to Life in Poole Museum!

After nearly thirty years, three large wooden animal sculptures have returned to public display in Dorset, bringing back fond memories for many local residents. The sculptures include a mahogany hippo, a turtle, and a whale. The hippo, with its mouth open, was carefully lifted through a third-floor window and placed inside Poole Museum, while the turtle and whale are now set up at Lighthouse, Poole. These unique pieces were originally created in 1969 by Peter Hand, an artist and lecturer at Bournemouth College of Art. They were designed for children to climb and explore at the Dolphin Centre, which was previously known as the Arndale Centre. Over the years, the animals became a beloved part of the community, offering fun and adventure for families visiting the centre.

In 1997, the sculptures were removed from the Dolphin Centre and stored away. However, in 2023, they were donated to Poole Museum, where they were carefully preserved during the museum's recent redevelopment. Their return has sparked excitement among locals, who remember playing on the animals as children. Andy Martin, a councillor for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, described the animals as 'part of Poole's collective memory. ' He expressed his enthusiasm about seeing the sculptures back in the public eye, saying they bring joy and nostalgia to those who remember them and inspire curiosity in a new generation of fans. John Grinnell, the manager of the Dolphin Centre, also shared his pride in donating the iconic wooden animals to Poole Museum. He believes their return celebrates Poole's cultural heritage and highlights the importance of preserving public art that connects generations.

The wooden hippo, turtle, and whale are now available for everyone to see and enjoy. Their presence not only adds to the cultural richness of Poole but also serves as a reminder of the town's history and the role art plays in bringing people together. Visitors to Poole Museum and Lighthouse can experience these sculptures up close, learning about their origins and the artist who created them. The museum hopes that both longtime residents and newcomers will appreciate the animals and feel a sense of connection to Poole's past. If you have a story about Dorset, BBC Dorset encourages you to get in touch and share it. The area continues to offer many interesting events and stories, such as people playing instruments in medieval costumes at Westgate Museum and a young girl admiring a special rock on display. These moments show that Dorset is a place full of history, creativity, and community spirit.