Gnomes can be divisive little devils. You’re either a gnome enthusiast or resolutely gnomephobic (or perhaps even “nanopabulophobic” — a term coined by Stephen Fry meaning a fear of gnomes in wheelbarrows). They truly are the Marmite of the gardening world.
For years, gnomes have been banned from the Chelsea Flower Show for fear that they would distract from the gardens. But this year the ban has been lifted — for only the second time in more than a century — to raise funds for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, which aims to improve children’s wellbeing and increase their appreciation for nature. Money will be raised by auctioning colourful gnomes painted by celebrities such as Mary Berry, Cate Blanchett and Brian May.
Gnomes were designed by celebrities including Elton John, Lily Allen and Maggie Smith at the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show — the first time the gnome ban was liftedJustin Goff Photos/Getty
The RHS ran a similar fundraising initiative in 2013, raising £27,000 from the sale of more than 100 celebrity-painted gnomes — but that’s almost peanuts compared with what some particularly special gnomes can fetch…
Lampy
A group of gnomes displayed at Lamport Hall representing miners on strike in 1897
It is believed that the first ceramic gnome was German. During the mid-1800s, gnomes grew in popularity and became symbols of luck, protection and agricultural abundance. They first appeared in England in 1847, thanks to Sir Charles Isham. He became so enamoured of the little guys he met while on holiday in Germany that he brought 21 of them back with him, displaying them proudly around Lamport Hall, his Northamptonshire home.
When Isham died in 1903, his daughter inherited the hall and set out to destroy every single gnome. A rumour spread that she lined up the gnomes and shot them one by one with a rifle. One lucky fellow, however, slipped into a rocky crevice and hid out until the coast was clear. This 6in terracotta gnome — thought to be the oldest in the world — was discovered after the Second World War. Nicknamed Lampy, he returned to Lamport Hall safe and sound. In 1997 Lampy was insured for £1 million — that’s more than Thomas Jefferson’s desk, and a guitar signed by Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney.
The Masters gnomes
A lucky patron with his official Augusta 2026 gnomeLeckie Wong/getty
For golfing fans, the Masters is heaven. For golf widows, like me, who are replaced in their loved one’s affection by Rory McIlroy for an entire weekend, it is closer to hell. But there is another genre of people we must account for. Gnome collectors. This group of enthusiasts also enjoy the Masters, but for very different reasons.
Every year since 2016, limited-edition gnomes have been sold in the Augusta National merchandise shop. These well-dressed figures are so popular that collectors arrive early at the event to queue for them, and each attendee is allowed to purchase only one.
A Masters collectible gnome from 2024Andrew Redington/Getty
You will never see these little fashionistas wearing the same outfit twice — every year the gnomes are clad in a new kit, whether it be a polo shirt and cap or jumper and beanie. While they sell for approximately $59.50 (£44) with prices changing annually, they tend to resell for over $1,000 (£740).
The original 2016 Masters golfer gnome wore an Argyle sweater
On the Monday after this year’s Masters an original 2016 gnome was sold on Golden Age, the golf collectibles site, for a record-breaking $28,827.60 (£21,334). This was in the wake of rumours that this year may be the last of gnomes at the Masters. If true, these gnomes could become even more valuable.
Garden gnome-hunter sculpture
Garden gnome hunter, £29,500David Goode
Those who fall into the gnomephobic category may want to fend them off with a gnome-hunter, although this particular predator charges £29,500 for his services. David Goode, the Oxford-based artist who at 21 became the youngest sculptor to work at Madame Tussauds in London, is known for his distinctive goblin sculptures. He spends between three months and a year crafting each sculpture, of which there are only 175.
Vintage Heissner terracotta garden gnome
Vintage Heissner terracotta garden gnome, £524.89
Given that Lampy has found his forever home at Lamport Hall, if you’re after a vintage German gnome you’ll have to look elsewhere. How about this vintage chap instead — accessorised with a bucket and rake, he’s listed on the online design marketplace 1stDibs for £524.89. Crafted by the German company Heissner (thought to be among the first manufacturers to sell garden gnomes), this 15in figure dates from the 1950s.
‘Glim’ the fibreglass garden gnome
‘Glim’ the fibreglass garden gnome, £325
If you are in fact nanopabulophobic, exposure therapy is surely the only way to conquer your fears. And I can’t imagine a jollier fellow than this wheelbarrow-pushing gnome to assist you in your journey to recovery. After all, how could you fear a 112cm figure like Glim? For £325, you can purchase this hand-painted sculpture from British Ironwork Centre and display him proudly in your flowerbeds. It is called growth.
Kartell gnome stool
Kartell gnome stool, £316
If you aren’t quite ready for a full-blown gnome, you could start gently with a hybrid table-stool shaped like a gnome. Designed by Philippe Starck, this smile-inducing 44cm-tall piece is sold by Royal Design, a Swedish furniture store, for £316.
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