Gnomes left in honour of Frankston sculpture after move to McClelland Gallery

He may have moved to a more exclusive address but Frankston’s 9m gnome is still making his presence felt.

Gnomes are being left in tribute to Frankston's 9m tall stainless steel gnome. Picture: supplied

A small army of garden gnomes is gathering alongside a Frankston freeway as locals pay homage to one of Melbourne’s most talked about sculptures.

The 9m stainless steel gnome, affectionately known as Frankie, was moved to McClelland Gallery in Langwarrin last month.

Since Frankie’s departure fans have been placing garden gnomes on the concrete platform where he stood for four years at the corner of Moorooduc Highway and Hastings Road.

The local council has welcomed the homage but urged fans not to try and photograph the installation.

“We love this display of pop up art but please be mindful of safety and of course don’t stop for photos on this busy intersection,” a spokesperson said.

“We will monitor the situation for safety.”

Frankie took a gap year in 2019 sending postcards from famous landmarks around the world. Picture: Frankston Council

Frankie also visited Pisa during his gap year travels. Picture: Frankston Council

Those who want to see the real deal can visit Frankie at McClelland Gallery.

The gallery was also preparing to welcome Love Flower by John Meade with Emily Karanikolopoulos.

The sculpture will be moved from its Peninsula Link post later this week and installed at the gallery in time for a new exhibition - John Meade: It’s Personal - opening December 2.

It’s not the first time Gregor Kregar’s gnome sculpture has made waves.

Just weeks after the officially titled Reflective Lullaby was first installed at Peninsula Link’s Cranbourne Road exit locals started leaving gnomes at his feet.

At one point pranksters added a fake penis made from foil and attached using gladwrap.

The appendage and gnome minions were all quickly removed by Peninsula Link operators Southern Way, who commissioned Reflective Lullaby and other sculptures along the freeway.

Frankie left his Peninsula Link post in 2019 and took a gap year sending postcards to the community from famous locations around the world.

In February 2020 he secured a new plinth on Moorooduc Highway near Frankston Private Hospital and Monash University.