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Garden gnomes (German:Gartenzwerge,lit. 'garden dwarfs') arelawn ornament figurines of small humanoid creatures based on themythological creature and diminutive spirit which occur inRenaissance magic andalchemy, known asgnomes. They also draw on the German folklore of thedwarf.
Traditionally, the garden figurines depict male dwarfs wearing red pointy hats. Typically, gnomes stand between one and two feet (30 and 60 cm). Originating as a decoration for the wealthy in Europe, garden gnomes are now prevalent in gardens and lawns throughout theWestern world, among all social classes. They are regarded by some askitsch.
Inancient Rome, small stone statues depicting the Greco-Roman fertility godPriapus, also a protector of beehives, flocks, and vineyards, were frequently placed in Roman gardens.[1][2][3] Gnomes as magical creatures were first described during theRenaissance period by Swiss alchemistParacelsus as "diminutive figures two spans in height who did not like to mix with humans".[4] During this period, stone "grotesques", which were typically garishly painted, 1-metre-tall (3.3 ft) figurines, were commonly placed in the gardens of the wealthy.[5] Among the figures depicted weregobbi (Italian forhunchbacks). In particular,Jacques Callot produced 21 versions ofgobbi, which he engraved and printed in 1616.
By the late 18th century, gnome-like figurines made of wood or porcelain, known by names including "dwarves", had become popular household decorations in some parts of Europe.[6][4] In particular, the area surrounding the town ofBrienz in Switzerland was known for their production of wooden house dwarves. In Germany, these figurines became conflated with pre-existing folk stories and beliefs about dwarves (Zwerge; singularZwerg) that they believed helped around the mines and on the farm.[5]
TheDresden company Baehr and Maresch had small ceramic statues of "dwarves" or "little folk" in stock as early as 1841. Hence, while the claim has been contested, some credit Baehr and Maresch with creating the first garden gnomes.(German:Gartenzwerge).[6][4] Within less than 10 years, statues of dwarves had spread from the provinces ofSaxony andThuringia, in particular, across Germany and into France. The manufacture of dwarves spread across Germany, with numerous other large and small manufacturers coming in and out of the business, each having its own particular style of design.[7]
Garden gnomes spread to other countries in Europe in the 1840s and became particularly popular in France and Britain.[4] In 1847,Sir Charles Isham, brought 21terracotta gnomes manufactured in Germany by Philip Griebel back to Britain where they were called "gnomes" in English,[4][5] and placed in the gardens of Isham's home,Lamport Hall inNorthamptonshire.[6] Nicknamed "Lampy", the only gnome of the original batch to survive is on display at Lamport Hall and insured for£1 million.[8]
Use of the term "garden gnome" may originate from fact that German catalogues sold ornaments of dwarfs under the namegnomen-figuren, meaning miniature figurines.[9]
From around 1860 onwards,Gräfenroda, a town inThuringia long known for its ceramics, became increasingly associated with production of garden gnomes.[6]
Garden gnomes were further popularized when SirFrank Crisp, the owner of the second largest collection of garden gnomes in the UK, opened hisFriar Park, Henley-on-Thames estate to the public at least once a week from 1910 to 1919. It was here where garden enthusiasts and visitors from around the world perhaps saw garden gnomes for the first time.
The reputation of German gnomes declined afterWorld War I, but they became popular again in the 1930s following Disney's animated filmSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs, when more working-class people were able to purchase them.Tom Major-Ball (father of former British prime ministerJohn Major) was the most notable producer at that time with his company Major's Garden Ornaments.[5][10]World War II and the years following saw a decline in the industry, causing most producers to halt their manufacture.
Garden gnomes saw a resurgence in popularity again in the 1970s with the creation of more humorous types of gnomes.[4] In the 1990s,travelling gnome and garden gnome pranks became popular and made national news at times, where people steal a garden gnome from an unknowing person's lawn and then send the owner photos of the gnome as a practical joke before returning it.[11]
Philip Griebel's descendants are still producing garden gnomes in Germany.[4] As of 2008[update], there were an estimated 25 million garden gnomes in Germany.[7] A recent[when?] trend has introduced miniature gnomes of only a few inches in height.
Garden gnomes are typically male, often bearded, usually wear red caps and often have pipes. They are often shown pursuingleisurely pastimes such as fishing or napping.[12]
Gnomes may be made from terracotta clay slip (runny clay) poured into molds. This is allowed to set up and the excess emptied from the center, leaving a clay shell. The gnome is removed from the mold when firm, allowed to dry and then fired in akiln until hard. Once cooled, the gnome is painted. More modern gnomes are made fromresins and similar materials.[13]
Today, many different variations of garden gnomes exist, including humorous ones ranging from the lightheartedbiker orbarbecuing gnome, to the more sinister, such as one stabbed in the back or wearing anexecutioner's hood.[citation needed][better source needed]
Gnomes have become controversial in serious gardening circles in the United Kingdom, and were for a time banned from the prestigiousChelsea Flower Show, as the organisers claimed that they detract from the garden designs.[14] Gnome enthusiasts accused the organisers of snobbery, as garden gnomes are popular in the gardens ofworking class and suburban households.[15] The ban was lifted during 2013 to mark the show'scentenary.[16]
Media related toGarden gnomes at Wikimedia Commons
