Walking by the Victoria Tower gardens, I ran into, for the first time, Wenlock and Mandeville, the two official mascots, representing respectively the Olympics and the Paralympics. The sculptures of the two characters stood in two different spots of the garden. They had a high-tech look and a dynamic pose. Doing some research I found out more, but I did not gain interest until I saw them again, scattered around Southbank. This time around, having had the chance of seeing them in different “clothes”, I became more curious.
In the picture: Mandeville, Wenlock and Mandeville again.
The surface of the sculptures, in fact, were covered in patterns representing different parts of London. This is a very effective way to link the Olympic games to the City, since the aim is to make everyone feel equally part of this big event. They follow a style that I have previously seen in London: only a few months ago easter egg sculptures were installed all over London, all with a different pattern or theme. Something similar was done with cow sculptures and phone cabins.
This is Wenlock, covered in a pattern of fish, jellyfish and other sea creatures. It is front of Sea Life, the biggest aquarium in London.
The picture above shows one of the cabins that were placed around London last month.
The two mascots were designed by Iris, a creative agency based in London. Searching deeper into the nature of their design, I found out there is a lot of symbolism and a deep meaning behind the two characters, starting out from their name. Wenlock is named after the Wenlock Olympian games, which are held annually in Munch Wenlock, England, since 1850. The name Mandeville, the Paralympic mascot, comes from the name of a Hospital that since World War II takes care of military injuries.
Wenlock, in a victory pose, across Westminster.
Wenlock wears 5 friendship bracelets each representing a different continent, following the style of the olympic rings. Mandeville's head resembles a helmet featuring the colours associated with the Paralympics logo.
Some of the egg-shaped scultures that were displayed all over London for the egg hunt, last easter. At the end of the hunt, the eggs, all designed by different artists, were sold at an auction, and the profit was granted to charity.
A series of short animations was also made starring Wenlock and Mandeville. It shows the story of our heroes from their origin, including their meanings. It starts off with a grandfather retiring from the steel company he works at. Before leaving he picks up some leftover steel from a part made for the stadium. This is the metal that he then uses to forge Wenlock and Mandeville, which he will later give to his grandson and granddaughter. The quality of the animation is no Pixar, and a little too Care Bears style; but overall the writer, Michael Morpungo, put together a cute and catchy story that shows the true aim of the two characters: inspiring a generation.
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