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Ann AtkinBritish collector of garden gnomes
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Anne Atkins: Collector of 2042 Gnomes and Fairies
- The Gnome Reserve
- The Inspiration
- A Thriving Ecosystem
- A Controversial Figure
- Gnome-Related Records and Attractions
- A giant 7.91-meter garden gnome built by Canadian Ron Hale in 1998
Anne Atkins: Collector of 2042 Gnomes and Fairies
British garden gnome enthusiast Anne Atkins has made headlines in the Guinness Book of World Records for her extensive collection of over 2000 miniature figurines.
The Gnome Reserve
In her sprawling 4-acre garden, known as "The Gnome Reserve," Atkins has arranged her collection of 2042 gnomes and fairies. Her breathtaking beechwood garden attracts around 25,000 visitors annually. To enhance the immersive experience, visitors are encouraged to don gnome hats before entering the whimsical realm.
The Inspiration
Atkins began her collection in 1978 while studying art. Inspired by the challenges of painting birds, she embraced the creative freedom offered by gnomes. "Gnomes appeared in my imagination," she recalls. "They seemed to be saying, 'You don't have to turn right or left; you have to dig your own way.'"
A Thriving Ecosystem
The Gnome Reserve is more than just a collection of figurines. Atkins emphasizes the importance of the natural environment. Her garden boasts over 250 species of wildflowers, herbs, and ferns, creating a vibrant ecosystem.
A Controversial Figure
While Atkins generally sells gnomes, she refuses to sell those with knives in their backs. She deplores the recent trend of such figurines, which some pranksters use to torment neighbors.
Gnome-Related Records and Attractions
The world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as gnomes was set in Worcester in 2011, with 478 participants. Notable other gnome-themed attractions include:
A giant 7.91-meter garden gnome built by Canadian Ron Hale in 1998
An underwater gnome garden in Wastwater, England, which was removed for safety concerns after diver fatalities
