Heart of Kent Hospice brings first-ever art trail to Maidstone

We are delighted to be the very first business in Maidstone to sign up to support a spectacular, public art installation, which is coming to the town in the summer of 2020. The initiative is a collaboration between Heart of Kent Hospice, creative event producers Wild in Art and independent children’s books publisher Andersen Press.

The star of this first-ever sculpture trail in Maidstone is Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and he will be joined by a whole herd of brightly coloured sculptures across the town.

Elmer, who turns 30 this year, is one of the most iconic and widely read children’s book series of all time. From June until September 2020, a herd of beautifully decorated Elmers will march off the page and onto the streets of Maidstone, providing a stunning tourist attraction in the town for the public to enjoy.

Each Elmer will be uniquely designed by a different artist, and the Hospice aims to have over 40 Elmer sculptures available for sponsorship in iconic locations around
the town.

Sarah Pugh, Chief Executive of Heart of Kent Hospice, commented: “We’re really excited to bring this high quality, temporary tourist attraction to the community we serve and, who in turn, generously support us.

“Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade will bring together all areas of the community to put Maidstone on the map, showcase the wealth of talent in the area and contribute to the economic, cultural and social life of the town, whilst at the same time raising valuable funds and the profile of the Hospice.”

Charlie Langhorne, Director of Wild in Art, added: “By joining forces with Andersen Press and creating a blank 3D canvas inspired by the famous patchwork elephant, we just know that this big parade will have a positive impact on Maidstone’s residents and visitors, and of course Heart of Kent Hospice.”

Blair Gulland attended the launch in March and comments: “This is a fantastic initiative to bring colour to the streets of Maidstone and encourage people into the town centre to see them. At a time when high street businesses need all our support, this is a great idea and will also raise much needed funds to continue the work of Heart of Kent Hospice. I can’t wait to see the design of the Gullands Elmer.”

Businesses are invited to register their interest in a partnership or sponsoring a sculpture by emailing elmer@hokh.co.uk

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