Culture, Poole | Posted on October 10th, 2025 | return to news

Giant wooden animals return to display in Poole

The animals, which were designed for children to play on, were made in 1969 and haven’t been on display since 1997.

Here’s a blast from the past. Three wooden animal statues that were on display in Poole from 1969 to 1997 are making a grand reappearance in the town.

Residents of Poole may remember this trio of sculptures depicting a hippo, whale and turtle. Originally installed in the Dolphin Centre (formerly the Arndale Centre) in 1969, these sculptures by renowned artist Peter Hand, who was a lecturer at Bournemouth College of Art for 20 years from the mid-1960s, were designed for children to climb, slide, and explore.

The play structures were a cherished part of Poole’s public art and play landscape for decades, until they were taken off display in 1997. After being donated to Poole Museum in 2023, the animals have been carefully preserved during the museum’s redevelopment.

Now they will soon be on display once more. The mahogany hippo, which needed to be lifted through a third-floor window, has already been installed inside Poole Museum, while the other two sculptures are on display at Lighthouse Poole.

Cllr Andy Martin, portfolio Holder for Customer, Communication and Culture at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, who own and operate Poole Museum, said: “These sculptures are more than just art — they’re part of Poole’s collective memory. We’re excited to see them back in the public eye, sparking joy and nostalgia for those who remember them, and inspiring curiosity in a new generation of fans.”

John Grinnell, Dolphin Centre Manager, added: “We’re proud to donate these iconic wooden animals to Poole Museum. They’ve played a special role in the lives of local families and helped shape the identity of the Centre. Their return celebrates Poole’s cultural heritage and the importance of preserving public art that connects generations.”

Elspeth McBain, Lighthouse chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the whale and the turtle – it sounds like the title of a children’s play! They look very happy in our foyer where they have been meeting lots of old friends and making plenty of new ones.”

Poole Museum is at the end of a £10 million redevelopment, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, BCP Council, Arts Council England, Heritage England and many other generous funders and partners, and is set to reopen in just a few weeks.

Do you have fond memories of these wooden animals? Email us with your stories.