Gorilla sculpture

The 'Gorilla' is a sculpture created in 1961 by David Wynne, located in the grounds of Crystal Palace Park. This piece is made of polished black Belgian fossil marble and stands approximately 120 centimeters high on a marble base, which is set on a roughly-tooled granite plinth. The title of the work is carved into the plinth. The sculpture is a representation of Guy the gorilla, a well-known attraction at London Zoo. It depicts the animal resting powerfully on all fours, with muscular limbs extending down to flexed knuckles, creating a strong, square form. Wynne aimed for the sculpture to express his feelings of awe, terror, and love for this impressive creature, while also being sturdy enough for children to climb on. The plinth features the inscription ‘GORILLA’, and the marble base is marked ‘DAVID WYNNE 1961’.