A Proper British Gnome
The Great Gnome-out's contestant number nine is another European adventurer. Sir Humphrey is a proper citizen of the British Isles, hailing from the south bank of the River Thames in great London itself.
Swearing that the "Sir" has been properly obtained via knighting by the Queen herself (of Faeries, apparently) for unusual and extensive services to the crown, Sir Humphrey for many years has been the Chief Chimney Gnome at the Battersea Power Station.
Notable for being the setting of Pink Floyd's 'Pigs On The Wing Part 1' as well as the cover art from their 1977 concept album, Animals, the Battersea Power Station has become one of the better known landmarks in London. Built in two stages in the form of a single building with four very large smokestacks on the south bank of the River Thames, the coal burning station ceased generating electricity after almost 50 years in 1983, giving a now lonely Sir Humphrey time to travel.
When asked if being a Chimney Gnome is similar enough to being a Garden Gnome to qualify for this competition, Sir Humphrey replied: "Well. Soot is soot is it not? Call it soot, call it dirt, its all filthy stuff that you can grow things in if you were so minded. Besides," as he cast his eye (or so we thought - as nobody can see his eyes) around the various contestants out on the ice, "even run over by a lorry I would be able to fit in with this bloody lot"
Having stumped out and sat on the ice, it is not clear whether Sir Humphfrey regrets his choice of location nearby Buzz Flyboy, who has talked about his exploits essentially non-stop since landing. Having turned his back to Flyboy, we might guess the thought.
Gerald Putzny for Gnome Press International
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