Tuesday, June 22, 2010

W is for Wonderland


Summer Sunday in Central Park

W

is for

Wonderland



Vintage Copy of Alice in Wonderland

That magical nonsensical world Alice 

fell into as she swirled down the rabbit hole. 

The strange characters of Lewis Carroll's 

Alice in Wonderland 

were etched into my memory as a young child.





Did you know there is a bit of 

this magical world in Central Park?





Oh, yes! 

You will see Alice there!





You'll find Alice sitting 

with her sweet little kitty, Dinah.






The March Hare is there, 

umbrella in hand . . .




Rushing past in a hurry . . .




With his watch out of his waistcoat pocket

"Oh, dear! Oh, dear! He must be late!"




"I dare say it's a French mouse, 

come over with William the conqueror."





"Don't be startled by seeing the 

Cheshire-Cat sitting on a bough of a tree . . ."





The Mad Hatter will greet you.





You won't find a tea party, 

but you're welcome to sit among the mushrooms.





There, right by the little Dormouse. 

There is plenty of room.




Yes, many of my favorite curious characters 

of this literary nonsense tale are there, 

a tangible presence waiting just for you and me.





You'll find them up the path from the model boat basin 

with its miniature sailboats skimming across the water.





This 11' bronze sculpture 

is one of Central Park's most beloved. 

Unlike other statues, this one was built with children in mind. 

One can climb and crawl all over Alice and her curious friends.





Circling the base of this sculpture are bronze  

plaques within the pebbles of the terrace. 

Each features a different inscription from the story.








The impressive sculptural group was commissioned by 

philanthropist George Delacorte in 1959 as a tribute to his wife, 

Margarita, and a gift to the children of New York City.





Jose de Creeft, 

a Spanish born French-trained sculptor,

is the artist of this whimsical sculpture.





Fernando Texidor 

was the project's designer.




Please come back on Saturday. 

 The Mad Hatter will be serving tea.






No doubt you want to spend more time in the park, but you can't be late for Mrs. Matlock's class. There are more "Letter W" lessons waiting for you here.

This post will be linked to the following weekly memes. A big "Thank You" to all these hostesses.



Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer
Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

62 comments:

  1. I love VTT linky parties because I learn things I have never heard of! If I ever get to Central Park I know to look for this statue!

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  2. I love VTT linky parties because I learn things I have never heard of! If I ever get to Central Park I know to look for this statue!

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  3. I grew up on Alice in Wonderland (as did many little girls I imagine). We had planned a trip to NYC this summer complete with a tour through Central Park so I could see this statue, but we had to postpone it. Thanks for sharing today and giving me a little glimpse into Alice's magical world!

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  4. Thanks for the trip to Central Park!

    Happy VTT! :) I will be sure to look for it when I go to CP!

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  5. I don't think I ever heard the whole story. I want to read it now. I tried to watch the movie on DVD, but I couldn't understand anything.

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  6. Never knew this Sarah....what beautiful sculptures...and better yet your pictures. Thanks for sharing and for stopping over.

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  7. What a wonderful vintage copy of Alice! Does it have great illustrations in it too? Your sculpture photos are wonderful...I didn't know this was in Central Park~ I'll be back for tea :-)

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  8. Thanks for the tour - I did not know about these sculptures. I have never been to NYC. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. Oh My Stars, I searched all over Central Park looking for Balto and finally found him, now I am on a mission to find Alice! I will have to put that on my NYC list. My grand daughter is having an Alice in Wonderland birthday party, she is already planning it and her b-day is in October! I think your vintage book is lovely!

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  10. What a wonderful, magical work of art! I love the Cheshire cat. Thanks for the fun and lovely post. Kathy

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  11. I loved Alice in wonderland and Through the Looking Glass as a child.
    A fun and interesting post.
    Kathy

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  12. I never knew that there was a statue like this in Central Park. I love it!!! I remember this book and had a version of it, I remember the cover was so bright and colorful. Have a great VTT....thanks for a great post, I learned something today!

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  13. How cute! I didn't know that was in Central Park!

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  14. I would love to see this in person. My oldest daughter, who turns 30 this year, is quite the Alice fan. Thanks for sharing!

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  15. What a magical place!
    When I was a girl I enjoyed the idea of Alice and that Wonderland far more than I enjoyed the actual story, which I found frightening!

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  16. I never knew that Alice and her friends "lived" in Central Park! Your post and pictures are wonderful and the story behind them is timeless.

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  17. Who knew there was such a statue there??? I certainly didn't, and I loved the pictures. Happy VTT..have a wonderful week.

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  18. I knew about this but I've never seen it, I'm embarrassed to say. Because I live only 40 minutes away from NYC by train. Thanks for the post - beautiful pictures and an idea for a day trip this summer!!

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  19. i love alice and i love alice in the park....what a wonderful reminder of the magic of new york city

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  20. I enjoyed your VTT post so much and love the story and photos. Thanks so much for sharing. Blessing, Vicky

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  21. what a fab post! i too love and own a few vintage Alice books :)

    btw while visiting NY last year i happened to stumble across the "Alice" sculptures in central park WOW!..it certainly was the highlight of my visit :)

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  22. What amazing sculptures. I love Alice in Wonderland (but NOT the new movie - too weird for me)
    thanks for sharing!

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  23. My third grade students and I read about this sculpture in a book this past year. Didn't even know it existed until then. Thank you so much for sharing these great pictures.

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  24. Happy W day! Way cool post! I had no idea this was in Central Park. It's beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

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  25. A wonderful story and a fab blog to complement thank you

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  26. I had no idea about this wonderful statue. Thanks so much for sharing the photos and words...a wonderful post.
    xo bj

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  27. Sarah, what a delightful sculpture! I've never seen this in Central Park, but the next time I go to NYC, I'll be sure and make it a priority. What a wonderful piece, and I love the dedication.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  28. I had no idea that was in Central Park. What a wonderful gift to the children of NYC. I'd love to see it someday.

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  29. Hi Sarah..what a super enchanting post..yay! I especially love the one they are all sitting on the mushroom..beautiful!
    Have a sparkling day! full of sunshine..beautiful post!
    Kiki~

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  30. Sarah how delightful! As many times as I've been to NYC, I didn't know this existed, but we have never taken time to explore Central Park, only to eat at Tavern on the Green. You do come up with the neatest ideas!

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  31. Sarah, I love these pictures...they are absolutely magical! Don't you love Alice in Wonderland? Great post.

    Hugs, Barb ♥

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  32. Can I tell you a secret? I've never read Alice in Wonderland. I have no idea why not.

    I love this little piece of heaven carved out for the kids in Central Park. Thanks for bringing this to us today. Kept me smiling throughout.

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  33. Thank you!

    I've been in this park years ago and totally forgotten about it. Your link brought back many wonderful memories.

    Such a clever use of the Alphabe-Thursday letter prompt!

    Wonderful photos, wonderful prose, wonderful memories!

    A+

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  34. I had no idea that was there! It's spectacular! Your photos really captured the whimsy so well. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  35. I've never had the opportunity to travel to New York and see Central Park. This is such a wonderful section for all of us, not just the children. These stories remain with us always.

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  36. Such great photographs! I just love the book...my wife, HappymrsC is kicking herself that we missed this after 3 trips to NYC...Peace and blessings

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  37. how cool that this is all in the park for you :D

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  38. What a fun W post, I would love to visit that park!

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  39. I had no idea this was in central Park. You are a wonderful teacher. I have so enjoyed your contributions to the Alphabet Party! What will you post when the alphabet comes to an end?

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  40. W onderful!I have been there, and seen it.
    A very happy unbirthday to you! :)

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  41. Sarah, what a magical spot in the park. I've been to Central Park (years and years ago), but I didn't see this. I'm so glad you shared it. Love the vintage Alice book. What a treasure that is. laurie

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  42. Sarah thanks for bringing that bit of whimsy and beauty to me!!! such a delight to see. I am so glad you are participating on saturday ... I will be by to visit for sure!

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  43. what an awesome statue! I never knew it was there....

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  44. Oh, how fun a post this was. This is something very unique and would be wonderful for children and adults to see. If I'm ever in NY, I'll have to check for this. Great W post.

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  45. Sarah,
    I loved seeing Alice & the gang when I was in NYC sveral years ago, I came upon them by chance, what a surprise.
    Maggie

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  46. Sarah,
    I loved seeing Alice & the gang when I was in NYC sveral years ago, I came upon them by chance, what a surprise.
    Maggie

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  47. Sarah, this is magnificent. I've never been to NYC, but I hope to some day.

    Thank you for sharing Alice's special place.

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  48. Sarah, what a cute cute W post. Thanks for sharing these pics from Central park.

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  49. Loved this post. If I ever get to the park I will check this out. Thanks for our history/travel lesson.

    Have a great weekend

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  50. what a winsome w post.
    you have so many beautiful stuff in stock.
    be proud of your achievement!
    ;)

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  51. Such a beautiful spot in New York. I love Central Park and these statues are amazing. I lived on the upper east side of NYC for a long time, and visited Central Park all the time. Happy Tea party.
    Karen

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  52. I've never been to Central Park so I enjoyed seeing this so much, thanks for posting it for us!

    Katherine

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  53. Most charming! I have been to Central Park several times and never saw this. I am aching to go back to New York. I will find this when I do. You did such a beautiful job photographing it. I absolutely loved the charming book. What a treasure. Just ran across this incredible Mad Tea Party last night. Check it out at http://onlycutethingsar.blogspot.com/2010/02mad-tea-party.html
    So, so cute. Have a wonderful Sunday.

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  54. I love those incredible bronze statues, Sarah! What a magical place!...Christine

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  55. Thanks for the great photos, I had no idea this statue was in the park!

    Donna

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  56. I've been to the park many times and I've heard of the statue but I have never seen it. Thsnks so much for the photos and for joining "SUMMER SUNDAYS". Hope to see you next Sunday.

    - The Tablescaper

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  57. Thank you for sharing this magic in the park. I had no idea that this was in Central Park. Great photographs.

    Carol

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  58. What a wonderful post! Thankss so much for sharing!

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  59. How did you manage to find the statue with no children climbing all over it, Sarah? Every time I see it there is a gaggle of children all around having the very best time palying on it! :0)

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  60. Ohhh I absolutely love Alice! thanks for reminding me that I am not to miss this visit when I go to NY in Oct!! Great pictures!

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.