Posted by: Debra Kolkka | August 10, 2014

Alice in New York

One of my favourite things to do when I am in New York is to walk in Central Park. It is wonderful in any season. I always try to visit the delightful Alice in Wonderland sculpture near East 74th Street.

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The bronze sculpture was constructed in 1959 by Jose de Creeft under the commission of philanthropist George Delacorte in honour of his wife Margarita, who liked to read the book to her daughter.

The design for the sculpture was patterned off the original illustrations of John Tenniel that were used in the first published edition of the book. Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was published in 1865.

The centerpiece of the work is Alice, who is said to have the face of Creeft’s daughter, Donna.

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Alice is seated on a giant mushroom, reaching toward a pocket watch held by the White Rabbit. Peering over her shoulder is the Cheshire Cat. The other figures include the Dormouse, Alice’s cat Dinah, the Mad Hatter, a caricature of George Delacorte and a few extras. The words around the edge of the sculpture are from The Jabberwocky, Mrs Delacorte’s favourite poem.

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Children are invited to climb on the sculpture and thousands of hands and feet have polished the surface smooth.

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Don’t miss Alice and friends if you visit New York.

 

 


Responses

  1. I had no idea of its existence. It is really a nice piece of art. Thanks for showing it.

    • I think it is lovely and it is great that children are allowed to climb all over it.

  2. I won’t climb over the sculptures but will say hello when we are in NY in October.

    • Looking will be enough.

  3. It is a delightful art piece. I also love the one which depicts Hans Christian Andersen reading a story to a duck…

    • There are some wonderful sculptures in the park. I have spent lots of time over the years walking through the park.

  4. I’ve never seen it…but I can see why you make a pilgrimage each time you are in New York. I think I shall have to add that to my list as well…

    • I came upon it by accident the first time and now look for it on each visit.

  5. Brilliant! What a great way to make sure kids keep on reading and enjoying classic tales!

    • There are some wonderful things for children in the park.

  6. Didn’t know about this, its nice

    • I think it is a great representation of the story.

  7. I have only been to New York a couple of times and although I walked in Central Park I didn’t see the Alice sculpture. So it was nice to see pictures of it and hear the story behind its commissioning. I love the idea that children are allowed climb all over the sculpture.

    • It is a great idea that children can really be part of the sculpture.

  8. The sculpture captures that slightly scary edge to the story too. I would love to see it!

    • The story is slightly scary too.

  9. On our first visit to NYC, we made a point of seeing these gorgeous sculptures in Central Park. I wasn’t blogging then, so didn’t think to take any pics. Your photos are really lovely, Debra. 🙂

    • It looks really pretty in spring when the green trees surround the sculpture.

  10. What a lovely thing for the father to do. It’s really enchanting.

    • He must have been a nice husband and father.

  11. What a fantastic sculpture! The details are wonderful 😀

  12. I loved this sculpture too! And Central Park. So many art forms happening!


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