Great Gorilla's Galore at Cockington Court!

The Great Gorillas project - 3 August – 13 October 2013

We are delighted to be part of the Great Gorillas project and now have SIX gorgeous gorillas here at Cockington Court! These form part of a world class mass public art event in the English Riviera and Exeter and demonstrate the wealth of artistic talent in the area, while also highlighting the significant conservation threat facing wild gorillas and how local businesses can make a difference.

Meet our Great Gorilla’s:

'Hearts' by Kirstie Allsopp
As well as presenting award-winning property and craft TV shows, Kirstie Allsopp has a wealth of experience in the interior design field. Kirstie has produced an inspiring bold and original style which is reflected in this beautiful step and repeat heart design. http://www.greatgorillas.org.uk/gorillas/details/22

‘Gatsby’ by Hamble & Jemima
This striking gorilla has been given a big Hamble & Jemima makeover, using zips and fabric remnants. It’s colourful, vibrant and very tactile, but has a twist of fresh, feminine and traditional English style. Hamble & Jemima have a studio at Cockington Court. For more information visit http://www.hambleandjemima.co.uk/

‘Chico’ by Cockington Chocolate Company
Made by chef, Tony Fagan, in support of the project. Taking seven days to complete, the model was sterilised and the chocolate applied in delicate 5mm layers to avoid cracking using a palette knife and piping bags. It was then wrapped in cellophane and the finished creation will keep for up to six months.
Chico is slightly smaller that the Great Gorillas, standing at 30 inches - it still took 10kilos of chocolate to cover him! Chico will be raffled to raise money for Paignton Zoo, which is a registered conservation charity. You can see him in the Cockington Chocolate Company studio http://www.cockingtonchocolate.co.uk/. And just for the real chocolate lovers out there: the gorilla is made with Ecuadorian Arriba chocolate, a blend of the forastero and trinitario beans. "It is edible – and when it's gone, you have a gorilla statue," said Mr Fagan.

‘Patch’ by Elmwood School, Somerset
Pupils decided to use decoupage technique to decorate their Gorilla. They chose a mix of colours, with each child sticking their own individual piece onto Patch.
‘ERMEdangered’ by Erme Primary School, Devon
Based on one of our children’s designs and picked by the Erme Primary School Council, our Cross River Gorilla is painted with the distinctive markings of the Whale Shark, Nigerian Giraffe, Amur Tiger, Mountain Zebra, Snow Leopard, Hawksbill Turtle and Javan Rhino; just some of the other species of animals that are endangered in our World.

‘George’ by Children’s Hospice South West
Staff, families and children all played their part in George’s creation. Making handprints is a wonderful sensory activity. George was decorated during on afternoon, providing a snapshot of a day at Little Bridge House.

For more information on The Great Gorillas Project, please visit the Great Gorillas website http://www.greatgorillas.org.uk/