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.
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.
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.
Children are invited to climb on the sculpture and thousands of hands and feet have polished the surface smooth.
Don’t miss Alice and friends if you visit New York.
I had no idea of its existence. It is really a nice piece of art. Thanks for showing it.
By: Roberto Rodriguez on August 10, 2014
at 1:27 am
I think it is lovely and it is great that children are allowed to climb all over it.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 10, 2014
at 1:38 am
I won’t climb over the sculptures but will say hello when we are in NY in October.
By: Dianne Cant on August 10, 2014
at 6:00 am
Looking will be enough.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2014
at 10:36 am
It is a delightful art piece. I also love the one which depicts Hans Christian Andersen reading a story to a duck…
By: mulino dominillo on August 10, 2014
at 6:12 am
There are some wonderful sculptures in the park. I have spent lots of time over the years walking through the park.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2014
at 10:38 am
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…
By: The Daily Cure on August 10, 2014
at 7:19 am
I came upon it by accident the first time and now look for it on each visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2014
at 10:40 am
Brilliant! What a great way to make sure kids keep on reading and enjoying classic tales!
By: Nicolet on August 10, 2014
at 2:20 pm
There are some wonderful things for children in the park.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2014
at 10:41 am
Didn’t know about this, its nice
By: simplysands on August 10, 2014
at 2:43 pm
I think it is a great representation of the story.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2014
at 10:43 am
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.
By: Just Add Attitude on August 10, 2014
at 7:05 pm
It is a great idea that children can really be part of the sculpture.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2014
at 10:45 am
The sculpture captures that slightly scary edge to the story too. I would love to see it!
By: janinevasta on August 10, 2014
at 11:37 pm
The story is slightly scary too.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2014
at 10:45 am
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. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on August 11, 2014
at 7:52 am
It looks really pretty in spring when the green trees surround the sculpture.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2014
at 10:47 am
What a lovely thing for the father to do. It’s really enchanting.
By: Jan on August 11, 2014
at 11:53 am
He must have been a nice husband and father.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2014
at 10:48 am
What a fantastic sculpture! The details are wonderful 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on August 12, 2014
at 6:20 am
I loved this sculpture too! And Central Park. So many art forms happening!
By: Christine Collins on May 3, 2019
at 8:43 pm