In Sweden, the Dala horse has been a symbol of good luck since the 17th century. These simple wooden horses are traditionally painted in bright colours symbolising the flower patterns of the region around Dalarna in central Sweden.

Park Lane Stables’ very own Dala horses is the inspired idea of volunteers Cathy Cooper and Joy Cuff (artist of Goodnight Kiss), and Anne Scoggins, who like Cathy is a Bushy Park Ranger. Anne had been painting pebbles during lockdown but was looking for new inspiration. Cathy gave her a papier mâché horse to paint, and the cheerful result sparked ideas of a fabulous workshop activity, and of collaboration with some of the fantastic artists living locally.

Teddington and Richmond have been home to artists for centuries, so we invited six current locals to paint their own unique papier mâché Dala horse to be auctioned off to raise funds for Park Lane Stables. We just love what they did!

The six horses are all completely different, but equally beautiful. If you’d like to bid to own a special piece of art, with the warm glow of knowing that you’re supporting our work too, head over to the Dala Horse Auction website to find out about the six artists and the inspiration for their horse. Bidding ends on 31 December.