ORIGINAL wooden animal sculptures have been donated to a museum which will be displayed after its redevelopment.

The Dolphin in Poole has donated the sculptures, to Poole Museum, which were created by Peter Hand and installed in the centre in 1969.

They were removed in 1997 but put back on display in 2019 for the centre’s 50th anniversary and have been displayed occasionally since.

The museum is undergoing a major redevelopment, and plans are being drawn up for an exhibition featuring the much-loved sculptures, which will be protected and maintained.

Bournemouth Echo: The wooden animals in The Dolphin

Alison Smith, project manager at Poole Museum, said: “We feel so privileged to have received The Dolphin’s donation of Peter Hand’s incredible wooden play sculptures.

“They are a wonderful part of our local heritage - beautifully crafted, so characterful, and have captured the hearts of those who remember them from the then Arndale Centre. People's eyes light up when they reminisce about playing on them!

“It's exciting and actually quite emotional for us as a team at the museum because we all have fond memories of the animals from our own childhoods. 

“While building works at the museum are underway we will be caring for the animals as they need some essential conservation and repairs. We’re looking forward to sharing more about our new displays with local people in the coming months.“

John Grinnell, centre manager of The Dolphin, said: “We would never have believed that when our wooden animals were first installed 54 years ago, they would leave such a positive mark on the local community.

“We understand the great sentimental value that the animals hold for many people that spent their childhoods in The Dolphin. By donating our animals to Poole Museum, they can be remembered, celebrated, and cherished as part of the town’s heritage.”