Residents travelling past Gnome Island may have noticed a familiar face appearing on a nearby wall.
Ilson Gnome has made his third billboard appearance, this time as part of a new advert for Aquarius Home Improvements, a local business specialising in fitted kitchens and bathrooms. The latest design has been installed just down from the well-known Gnome Island landmark and has already caught the attention of passers-by.
The artwork shows Mrs G front and centre at a kitchen island, confidently wiping down the worktop, while Ilson Gnome himself is firmly in the background, perched on a stool and tackling the washing up. The playful detail has sparked plenty of smiles and comments, with many locals quick to spot the familiar household dynamic.
Unlike more generic advertising, the campaign leans heavily into local humour and recognisable characters, something that has helped Ilson Gnome become a recurring presence on Ilkeston’s streets in recent years. This is now the third outdoor campaign to feature the character, reinforcing his status as a light-hearted but familiar part of the town’s visual landscape.
Supporters say it’s another example of local businesses backing local creativity, using advertising that feels rooted in the community rather than imported from elsewhere.
Whether you’re Team Island or Team Washing Up, the latest billboard has certainly given people something to smile about.
Have you spotted it yet?