Marvellous Elephant

I am a mechanical elephant, musically inclined, old but lively, watching life go by @Waddesdonmanor and getting very wound up every now and then

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

All sorts of fun stuff seems to be happening outside my window today. Giant inflatable lobster, anyone? Stiltwalkers? And a dance circus company called @MotionhouseDT who made my trunk twirl with excitement at their daring. All still going on tomorrow @WaddesdonManor Summer Fest

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

Stacks of these outside can only mean one thing. Bedding changeover @WaddesdonManor

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

Get a load of these wonderful creatures designed by pupils at Waddesdon Secondary School inspired by the fantastical birds painted on porcelain @WaddesdonManor Mousebird, anyone?

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

Hurrah!! The House is open again for the new season and there are flowers bursting out all over, even inside! It’s a Blossom Trail @WaddesdonManor

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

We’re getting spruced up!

[Pippa Shirley @PippaShirley1]

Preparations for the new season @WaddesdonManor coming along nicely - here are @WMGardeners dressing the Conservatory, which leads into the Dining Room where the table is set and ready to receive guests.

[Pippa Shirley @PippaShirley1]

At @SpencerHouseLdn this morning for the press launch of the year ahead for the Rothschild Foundation and @WaddesdonManor including the new season’s exhibitions. Lovely to be in such magnificent surroundings and many thanks to the team there

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

The great David Garrick (by Joshua z Reynolds and torn between Tragedy and Comedy) back in his accustomed position in the Red Anteroom @WaddesdonManor after temporary displacement for an exhibition. All’s well that end’s well, I think

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

Another mechanical marvel @WaddesdonManor is receiving some attention. This 18C clock has a weight-driven pipe organ in its base so barrels, pipes and clockwork are being sent for conservation and repair to the Speelklock Museum in Utrecht so it can play properly again

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

Elephant and turkey at home in the State Porcelain Collections, Dresden, part of Augustus the Strong’s famous porcelain menagerie - another copy of the Turkey is right here @WaddesdonManor

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

Christmas has been dismantled. And who knew it featured zebras? Photo courtesy of our brilliant @WMGardeners

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

I’m not the only marvellous beast in the Manor at the moment - meet my new friend in the Smoking Room @WaddesdonManor thanks to paper artist Andy Singleton

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

This is what’s happening around me at the moment #ChristmasAtWaddesdon ⁦@WaddesdonManor⁩

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

@LuxuryMoon Thank you most sincerely. I’m glad you think I’m extraordinary (blushes modestly)

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

I thought there was a certain amount of bustle going on outside. It’s that time of year.

[Pippa Shirley @PippaShirley1]

This can only mean one thing! Not one but two large trucks laden with trees. Christmas is coming ⁦@WaddesdonManor⁩

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

So look at all these marvellous critters made by talented young visitors to the Conservation Hub @WaddesdonManor for #WorldNatureConservationDay - with the eye of faith one might even be an elephant. There’s certainly a magnificent porcupine…

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

Of course I thoroughly approve of this, and of #WorldNatureConversationDay - I wonder if any of the young folks made any clay elephants. I shall have to send one of my people to look for me…

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

I am delighted that you enjoyed your day - it was a great pleasure to meet you too!

[Colin Glover @ColinGlover2]

Just had a wonderful day, visiting @nationaltrust @WaddesdonManor - home to the amazing Rothschild collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative art and featuring a 250 year-old mechanical musical elephant @WMelephant

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

@HamzaYassin3 If there was an emoji for a wildly waving trunk, I’d be deploying it. Your wish is my command.

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

You are a legend for your contribution to conservation and the natural world. And, like me, you can dance!

[Hamza Yassin @HamzaYassin3]

The honour was all mine. H

[Marvellous Elephant @WMelephant]

He did! Come and meet me. And met Mimi the paper Myna. What an honour @HamzaYassin3