Perhaps you have heard whispers of a boy who never grew up? That boy is Peter Pan. Right here in Cape Town stands a statue of Peter Pan. It is a poignant reminder of youthful innocence and boundless adventure.
This Peter Pan statue is not unique to Cape Town. It is one of several casts from an original mould. The original statue was commissioned by J. M. Barrie. He was the Scottish novelist and playwright who created Peter Pan.
Barrie wanted to surprise the children of London. So, he had the statue erected overnight in Kensington Gardens on April 30, 1912. The sculptor was George Frampton. Imagine the delight of those children discovering Peter Pan in their park.
Six other statues were cast from the original mould. They are now displayed around the world. This statue in Cape Town allows us to share in that original wonder. It connects us to children in Brussels, St. John’s, Camden, Perth, Liverpool, and Toronto. Each location has its own Peter Pan statue.
Peter Pan first appeared in Barrie’s 1902 novel for adults, The Little White Bird. In those chapters, Peter is only seven days old. He flies from his nursery to Kensington Gardens. There, fairies and birds teach him to fly. Barrie described him as “betwixt-and-between” a boy and a bird.
The character gained more fame in the 1904 stage play. It was titled Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up. Barrie later adapted and expanded the play into the 1911 novel, Peter and Wendy.
Barrie may have based Peter Pan on his older brother David. David died in an ice-skating accident just before his 14th birthday. His mother felt he would forever remain a boy.
Barrie never described Peter’s appearance in great detail. He left that to the imagination. In the play, Peter’s outfit is made of autumn leaves and cobwebs. He carries a dagger and a sword. His name and flute playing connect him to the Greek god Pan.
Peter’s personality is that of a boastful and careless boy. He symbolizes the selfishness of childhood. He is forgetful and self-centered. Peter has a devil-may-care attitude. He is fearlessly cocky.
His archetypal quality is his unending youth. To stay childlike, Peter must forget his adventures. He also forgets what he learns about the world.
Peter’s ability to fly is explained inconsistently. In The Little White Bird, he is part bird. In the play and novel, he teaches the Darling children to fly. They use “lovely wonderful thoughts” and fairy dust.
The Peter Pan legend tells that when children died, Peter accompanied them. He went part of the way to their destination. This ensured that they would not be frightened.
Think about this statue. It is not just a bronze figure. It is a symbol of eternal youth. It is a reminder of the power of imagination. It is a connection to childhood dreams. As you gaze upon Peter Pan, what adventures do you imagine? What “lovely wonderful thoughts” fill your mind? Perhaps this statue will inspire you. Maybe it will help you find your own path to Neverland.