Elmer Armstrong

Elmer 1

Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk

Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk is a Wild in Art event art trail throughout Ipswich which will be unveiled this summer, raising funds and awareness for St Elizabeth Hospice. Launched in Ipswich on Saturday 15 June, there will be 55 large elephants on the trail, designed by professional artists and sponsored by local businesses and organisations, including Ipswich School.

The brightly painted Elmer the Elephants all have a different theme and are situated around the town, with people encouraged to visit them all. You can find out more information about the trail here. Trail maps and Learning Herd guides are available at Tourist Information Centre in St Stephen’s Lane Ipswich.

Elmer Armstrong


Ipswich School’s Elmer Armstrong elephant. Elmer copyright 2017 David McKee. Licensed by Andersen Press, London. 

Elmer Armstrong is Ipswich School’s Elmer elephant. Elmer Armstrong is named after the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong. This summer, on 21 July, it will be 50 years since this historic moment. We’re pleased that Elmer Armstrong is joining us at Ipswich School this summer as creating extraordinary futures is something we’re proud of doing – although we haven’t had a pupil walking on the moon, yet!

He is situated right at the front of Ipswich School on Henley Road. Come and take a look at him.

You can follow ElmerArmstrong on his own Twitter account at www.twitter.com/ElmerIpswich

Rocket Competition

Enter now! We are holding a fun competition to build a space rocket from junk material. The photo of the best design will win tickets to the Family Concert in the school’s Festival of Music, which will have a space theme.

Held on Sunday 13th October at 2pm at Ipswich School, the concert is an opportunity for the whole family to join us on an adventure through space! Musical treats with an intergalactic theme, and there will also be a ‘have a go’ session on various instruments after the concert. The concert lasts for 50 minutes and is suitable for ages 5+.

If you would like a photo of you with your special rocket to be featured in our gallery then email it to elmerarmstrong@ipswich.school. Terms and conditions can be found on this page: www.ipswich.school/rocketcompetition.

Elmer’s Learning Herd

As well as the large Elmers schools, including the Senior School and Prep School, have decorated over 80 smaller ones which will also be found in shops around the town during the summer.

You will be able to find ‘We herd you had a dream…’ decorated by the Prep School (below, right) in Christchurch Mansion, while Elmer Squared, decorated by the Senior School (below, left), will be located in the Tourist Information Centre.

Associate Education Partner

Ipswich School is the associate education partner for the trail. We hosted an event on Monday 21 January for teachers from the schools taking part.  Mik Richardson, one of the artists painting the large Elmers, explained more to the visitors about the materials to use to decorate their models, and how he has been inspired to create the designs of his models.