Here, in the forecourt of Haberdashers’ Hatcham College, stands a figure in Coade stone, a timeless sentinel of history. This is the Robert Aske Statue, a Grade II listed monument that tells a tale of philanthropy and education. Robert Aske, a Haberdasher himself, left a significant sum of money to the Company in 1689. With this fortune, Aske’s Hospital, a charitable institution, was established in 1692, providing shelter and education to the less fortunate, including twenty sons of poor freemen. This grand gesture is beautifully captured in the inscription on the plinth of the statue. The statue, sculpted by Croggon of Lambeth in 1836, depicts Robert Aske in the robes of the Livery Company. He leans on the plinth that displays the coat of arms, holding architectural plans in his hand, a poignant symbol of his legacy. The statue is a reminder of Aske’s vision and commitment to improving the lives of others, leaving an enduring mark on the community. As you stand before this monument, imagine the stories it holds—stories of hope, generosity, and the transformative power of education. This statue is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a man who dared to invest in the futures of those less fortunate.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to