Baroness selected to aid arty elephant herd (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Chiswick artists take part in elephant fundraiser

6:50am Sunday 24th January 2010 in News By Joanna Kilvington

Two artists have been chosen to help decorate a herd of elephants in what has been billed as London’s biggest outdoor art event.

Carrier Von Reichardt, also known as the Baroness, and her partner, who goes by the name of Mr Spunky, are part of a group of 200 specially chosen individuals who have been assigned with the task of decorating 200 fibreglass elephants.

Elephant Parade London will see the herd elephants descend on the parks, streets and squares of the capital in May, June and July.

The unique sculptures will then be auctioned by Sotheby’s, with all funds raised going towards elephant conservation projects across Asia.

Ms Reichardt, who lives in a mosaic-covered house in Fairlawn Grove, Chiswick, said: “Having decorated my house with a mosaic and then a truck, it seems only fitting that I should now attempt to mosaic a mammal.

“I really believe that ours will be a real show-stopper piece. It will reveal the realities of what is happening to the Indian elephant and why we must do everything in our power to help them.”

In the past 100 years the population of Asian elephants has plummeted from 200,000 to about 30,000, with 66 per cent of these losses occurring in the past decade.

Th pair will be working with artist Nick Reynolds, son of the Great Train Robber Bruce Reynolds and member of the band Alabama 3, to create their own branded elephant, sponsored by Tops Tiles.

Other names taking part in the campaign include artist Marc Wuinn and top fashion designers Lulu Guinness and Diane von Furstenberg.

The campaign is backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, as well as celebrities including Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley and Michael Palin.

For more information on the project visit elephantfamily.org or call 020 7580 3184.

• Will you be backing the campaign? Let us know by email (jkilvington@london.newsquest.co.uk), phone the newsdesk on 020 8744 4272 or leave a comment below.