Dame Lynley Dodd is quite a hero to New Zealanders and I suspect to children and grown-ups everywhere who have had the incredible pleasure of reading her Hairy Maclary books.
Recently in Tauranga an outdoor exhibition opened of sculptures of some of her most beloved characters. I went to see them and fell in instant love. I can’t wait to go back once the grass has grown and they take away the barriers. While I was there it was with delight I watched toddlers and children squeal with pleasure and caress and cuddle these beautiful works of art. I noticed a few Mums & Dads give them a quick pat while the kids were busy.
If you want to learn more about the sculptures click here.
These are some of the images I took when I visited. I hope to go back at night when the sculptures are lit up and take some more. For now…I hope you enjoy them, and if you don’t know the stories you might be persuaded to click on the links and discover their delights. With a little luck you might get one of the books to read to your children or grandchildren. I promise you will never be sorry you did.
Of course if you are ever in Tauranga…you must pay these guys a visit !!!!
They are delightful and I can see why you instantly fell in love with them!
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I know Barb. They did such a great job with these sculptures.
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Very nice !! Looking like real !!
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Yep…they sure do.
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Oh how magical Jo! Children and adults EVERYWHERE love Hairy Maclary.
How gorgeous is the face on Hairy’s sculpture?
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I know Toni. They really brought these guys to life.
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“scarface claw, the toughest tom in town …” Always my favourite. My son loved the Hairy Maclary books and we’ve been buying them for nieces and nephews overseas for the last few years.
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Have to admit Hercules Morse was my all time favourite. So big and beatuiful.
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Hehe. I think I love those books even more than the boy-child. The language is just wonderful, especially to read aloud.
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I think Gilly is right. I know I feel like I am singing as those words roll out of my mouth.
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🙂 Jacqui Clarke does (or did anyway) a stage show of Hairy Maclary and friends with lots of singing and dancing. I remember going to it when the boy-child was about four (so a while ago now). The kids absolutely loved it, and to be honest, so did the mums!
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I bet the mums did. I had no idea she did that. I would love to see it.
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I’m not sure she’s still doing it. I think I saw it about 12 or so years ago.
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😦
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I’ve never heard of any of them, Jo, I’m sorry to say. What fabulous names! And the sculptures are incredible.
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You really should get your hands on one of the books Tom. They are just wonderful for kids and for adults. I never tire of reading them.
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I love them Jo and I’ve never even heard of the books. Just added to my A wish list to remind me near Christmas, my two year G baby will love it 🙂
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That makes me happy Gilly, and you will just love reading them. There is such a beautiful rhythm to the wording.
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I know I was singing along to the words under your photos, Scarlett will love it, she’s obsessed with books!
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I hadn’t heard of this before, but great sculptures. Full of character 🙂
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You MUST read the books. They are some of the most delightful books ever written.
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Really good photos, you have captured their characters perfectly. We will be back that way in October so look forward to visiting them. Have you moved house yet?
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No…so I really hope this time I get to see you !!!!
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Not sure of were we go this time we have my sons wedding October 23 in Waiuku then are farm sitting for him. So will keep in touch
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Please do. I would love to meet you. There is always a spare bed for a few nights at my house. And a very enthusiastic host willing to show you around and cook !!! Even the fur babies love getting visitors.
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That does sound very inviting Jo I will definitely get in touch when we are in NZ and have some idea of our plans.
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That makes me happy.
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How wonderfully life like are these sculptures Jo.. wonderful captures of both Dogs and Cats at play and your photo’s doing wonderful justice to them all.. 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend xxx
Sue ❤ and so good to see you posting again xxx
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Pulled a few weeds so far, today is going to be wet, so I plan to spend some time working on a few things on the computer. Hopefully there will be enough of a break in the weather that I can take Chevvy for at least a quick walk. There is a KIngfisher I have taken to stalking in the hope that one day I will get a really good image of it.
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Wishing you well on getting the Picture Jo.. I was weeding yesterday.. This afternoon we had family.. Tomorrow I am off walking .. xxx Enjoy! ❤
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Also Jo as I know how much you enjoy taking photo’s I have put your name forward for a 5 day photo challenge.. You can accept or not no pressure at all.. Much love to you .. Sue
https://suedreamwalker.wordpress.com/2015/08/29/the-healing-wood-1/
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Sounds good…so yes I would like to participate.
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Brilliant… 🙂 so happy you accepted.. xx
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What great sculptures and photos, and the descriptions are so cute! (I assume they’re quotes from the books?)
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Yes they are quotes from the book. So glad to hear you liked them and the sculptures. Hairy Maclary is a bit of an institution here in New Zealand.
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This looks right up your street, Jo! 🙂 I’m not familiar with the characters but the sculptures are superb. 🙂 Good to see you back! 🙂
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Thanks Jo !!! If you ever get the chance you should read the books. They are absolutely delightful.
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