Garden gnomes: design or bad taste?

The ultimate symbol of kitsch, or cult objects capable of conquering fashion catwalks and design galleries? The exhibition “Garden Gnomes: Design or Bad Taste?”, curated by Anna A. Lombardi and on display until 30 August 2026 in the crypt of the medieval tower in Tarvisio (UD), attempts to answer this question. A dark, damp space, much like a cave, perfect for showcasing depictions of gnomes – creatures linked to folk tradition and underground work in the mines. The exhibition, which forms part of the cultural programme of the Radici Festival, takes the public on a journey through history, provocation and industrial innovation.

Garden gnomes boast an ancient tradition: their illustrious ancestors include the Roman Lares and Priapus, protector of vegetable gardens, as well as the sculptures that adorned Renaissance and Mannerist villas. While the Brothers Grimm cemented the myth in the 19th century with their fairy tale *Snow White*, it was Walt Disney in 1937 who gave them distinct personalities, naming them Doc, Grumpy, Sleepy, Dopey, Happy, Sneezy and Tooty in association with the seven planets. Among the curiosities on display, one story with distinct Friulian roots stands out: the original series of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs produced in the early 1960s by Ledraplastic under licence from Disney, a pioneer in the 3D adaptation of the cartoon characters using a special antibacterial PVC.

Over time, the gnome has transcended the confines of the lawn to become a cult object. From irreverent and ‘inappropriate’ forms — such as Ottmar Hörl’s famous 1994 installation *Sponti*, featuring monochromatic dwarfs with their middle fingers raised — we have moved on to reinterpretations by the masters of contemporary design. On display, visitors can admire Philippe Starck’s famous ‘Attila’ figures, the versions created for Elio Fiorucci’s Love Therapy brand, right through to works by young designers and collectives: from Joe Velluto’s ‘Baddy’ to Blogo’s designs (‘Lover’ and ‘Selfie’), and the geometric gnomes made of hollow concrete conceived by Plato Design. Always poised between an affordable mass-produced item and experimentation with forms, materials and finishes, the much-loved/much-hated garden gnome takes us on a journey through its evolution. 

Garden Dwarves: Design or Bad Taste?, curated by Anna A. Lombardi, Crypt of the medieval tower, Tarvisio (Udine), until 30 August, Tuesday to Sunday 10.30am–12.30pm and 4pm–7pm. 

All photos in the gallery are by Alessandro Paderni