The Fairies Tree: A Whimsical Delight

Nestled within Melbourne's historic Fitzroy Gardens, the Fairies Tree is a captivating sculpture that sparks joy in visitors of all ages. Sculptor Ola Cohn transformed the stump of a 300-year-old Red Gum tree into a whimsical world of fairies, dwarfs, gnomes, and native Australian animals. Carved between 1931 and 1934, during Victoria's Centenary Year, the tree became a gift to the children of Melbourne, a place of magic and wonder. Cohn masterfully used the tree's natural curves and irregularities to create her characters, seamlessly blending them into the environment. The carvings include a marvelous jackass, koalas, flying foxes, and a host of other creatures, each with its own unique charm. Cohn's intention, inscribed on a plaque at the tree, was to create "a fairy sanctuary - a place that is sacred and safe as a home should be to all living creatures". Over the years, the Fairies Tree has faced challenges due to the natural decay of the wood. In 1977, the tree trunk was removed for chemical treatment and to remove rotted wood. During this process, a mummified brush tail possum, estimated to be over 40 years old, was discovered inside. To prolong its life, the tree was remounted on a concrete base. The Fairies Tree continues to enchant visitors, a testament to Ola Cohn's artistic vision and her desire to create a place of peace and happiness.