A Garden Masterpiece—The Wind in the Willows

Part classic children’s story; part whimsical satire of life in Edwardian Britain, The Wind in the Willows follows the colourful adventures of four animal friends—Rat, Mole, Toad, and Badger—all of whom have a certain appetite for the pleasures of human existence. Long summer days are spent picnicking by the river, meandering along country lanes, and, of course, messing about in boats. 

While the memorable characters on the surface might seem like your average woodland and riverside creatures—ignoring the tweed jackets and desire to drive motorcars!—their sense of identity and philosophical outlook hints at something much deeper. 

A tale of companionship and wanderlust, Kenneth Grahame’s timeless novel, published in the Golden Age of children’s literature, has been captivating readers both young and old for generations. 

A Wind in the Willows garden experience

“Glorious, stirring sight! The poetry of motion! The real way to travel! The only way to travel!”

Toad, of course, is the free-spirited heart of Grahame’s novel; a heady mix of immaturity and rampant wealth. Holed away in his large inherited estate, Toad Hall, the amphibian aristocrat is quick to indulge in expensive hobbies, most notably motorcars, only to abandon them just as quickly! Despite his hedonistic attitude towards life, Toad cares deeply for his friends, and they, in turn, worry about his reckless pursuits.

Nowhere is Toad’s joie de vivre and vibrant lifestyle captured more than in the delightful Toad of Toad Hall bronze garden sculpture from our range. Aboard his stolen motorcar, with driving goggles fixed and scarf billowing happily in the wind, this handcrafted feature will bring the pages of Grahame’s classic novel to life in your garden. 

Coming soon...Ratty and Mole

“Sudden and magnificent, the sun’s broad golden disc showed itself over the horizon facing them; and the first rays, shooting across the level water-meadows, took the animals full in the eyes and dazzled them.”

The story doesn’t finish there, dear reader. Soon enough, from behind the doors of our quiet little workshop, we will be introducing two more beloved characters from Kenneth Grahame’s classic novel. They’re taking shape, using age-old bronze casting techniques, just waiting to be added to your Wind in the Willows-themed gardenscape. To join the larger-than-life Toad, we welcome his loyal companions Mole and Rat to complete the literary scene. 

Just as spring approaches, after a long winter slumber, Rat and Mole take to their boat to experience the next great adventure. Now it's time to tell your story—one of life's simple pleasures, of friendship and homecoming—let's start planning for the change in seasons with these enchanting new garden features.

If you’d like to find out more about our Kenneth Grahame-inspired sculptures—both existing and future projects—or any other garden features in our collection, please don’t delay getting in touch. Your adventure starts today!