March of the Elephants (Part One)

I've given you bears, I've given you penguins so get yourselves ready for more animal antics courtesy of the 'March of the Elephants' herd which has descended upon Sutton Coldfield and surroundings...

- Bubble -

I'm beginning with the West Midlands part of the elephant parade, although it should be noted that there are sculptures being displayed in Lichfield and Tamworth too. My first find is Bubble, positioned by the gardens beside Holy Trinity Church off Sutton Coldfield's Mill Street. As with Bobby on the Birmingham Bear Hunt, the facial depictions bring to mind the works of Picasso. 

- Funky Trunk -

Amidst the shopping malls of the Gracechurch Centre is where I can meet Funky Trunk, a colourful retro-styled design which draws much inspiration from the 1980s. The detail here includes sunglasses, audio cassette tapes, vintage games consoles and even a Walkman!

- An Elephant Never Forgets -

Sutton Park is a good elephant-spotting location, plus you can get your daily steps in walking from gate to gate. Among my haul is An Elephant Never Forgets as seen overlooking the Park Road roundabout; its Mexican Day of the Dead approach means a pinky-purple base hue with highlighted bones, emphasising the elephant's proverbially impressive memory capacity. 

- Paris -

Greenbelt is an environmentally conscious elephant showcasing native British wildlife outside the National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, then I can make the acquaintance of Paris near Wyndley Gate. I must admit I really like this one, all kitted out in GBR running vest and stripy sweatband which seems suitably topical with the Olympic Games on at the moment. 

- Connie the Calf -

To Boldmere Gate where Connie the Calf awaits, chewing the cud just up from the Miller & Carter Steakhouse. Although a baby elephant is referred to as a calf, the term is more commonly associated with young cows hence this sculpture's distinct dairy disposition!

- Olivia -

Boldmere Road is home to three more artistic creations, including Cheesey Does It (playfully presenting fromage fun with little mouseholes) and Olivia in her bright orange legwarmers and leotard. The latter seems to be paying homage to Olivia Newton-John and her famous 1981 hit 'Physical'; either way she's certainly ready for a workout! 

- Where's Ellie -

Last but far from being least is Where's Ellie, very much referencing the much-loved Where's Wally puzzle books hence the rounded glasses plus red and white clothing. You can't miss her really, standing sentry outside the Tesco Express store, so the real challenge is matching up the mini elephants that feature as part of her design. All being well I'll get chance to see the Staffordshire specimens in due course - provided I pack my trunk correctly that is...