Around 250 people attended the unveiling of a new art installation commemorating an old factory which made substitute ivory and tortoiseshell.

The Elephant and the Tortoise, a unique two-metre tall sculpture, was opened in a ceremony on Saturday (February 6) in Larkshall Road, Highams Park.

It was paid for by Tesco as part of the development deal when it opened its superstore in 2012.

The structure is to commemorate the former Halex factory, which made sheet plastic, and stood on the site of the Tesco superstore between 1897 and 1971.

Halex was the first producer of substitute ivory and tortoiseshell, used for cutlery handles and brooches.

It was also the world’s biggest manufacturer of table tennis balls.

The structure was created by Barnaby Barford, who lives in Highams Park and recently exhibited art at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

He said: “My idea was to use the original Halex factory logo, an etching of an elephant and tortoise, walking arm in arm – it’s a beautifully surreal image that was used up until 1921.

“It’s become the basis of the piece, with the animals now walking towards each other.

“I’ve never done a piece of public art like this before and throughout the whole process was one overriding thought, that I live in Highams Park and I’ll have to walk past it every day.”

Barnaby worked with Oak Hill and Handsworth primary schools and Joseph Clark School for the visually impaired to get them involved in creating work related to the sculpture.

Waltham Forest council Labour councillor Clare Coghill, cabinet member for high streets, said: “The work is amazing and provides a real focal point for the community.

She added: “I hope the people of Highams Park are proud of the fact this borough saved so many elephants and tortoises from being turned into fork handles!

“Not to mention the many happy hours of table tennis we can take credit for.”