When In Gnome

By AnnMarie Bonardi, Amanda Bower, Ellin Martens, Joseph Pierro, Alex Smith, Sora Song, Heather Won Tesoriero and Josh Tyrangiel

BRIT KITSCH Among the hallowed relics of the British Empire facing the dustbin of history: the garden gnome. Can these millennial makeovers, now in British stores, save the twee folk?

--Instead of being posed on toadstools, some figures are on microscooters.

--A Westminster bookstore has created gnomes in the likeness of Tory leader William Hague (hoisting a pint), Home Secretary Jack Straw (armed to squirt weed killer) and PM Tony Blair (big ears).

--Rather go Rome than gnome? One firm has modeled its puckish ornaments on Russell Crowe in his gladiator outfit.