“The Seven Ages of Man”. It’s a rather fitting name, isn’t it? The very essence of life, captured in a series of sculpted heads, stacked like a totem pole. We’re standing in front of the Baynard House, the sculpture proudly displayed in its front courtyard. It’s an odd yet fascinating tribute to William Shakespeare, a bold piece of art that embodies the playwright’s iconic passage from “As You Like It”.
Each head is a distinct stage of life, from the mewling infant at the bottom to the toothless old man on top. The schoolboy, a young lover, a soldier, a justice, a pantaloon, all etched in aluminum, their expressions a mix of fleeting youth and poignant reflection. When the sculpture was unveiled in 1980, it was a groundbreaking statement. It was commissioned by Post Office Telecommunications, a curious choice but a reflection of the time.
This sculpture is not merely a static portrait of life’s progression. Look closely at those faces. Can’t you almost hear their silent voices? The schoolboy’s anxious whisper, the lover’s heartfelt sigh, the soldier’s boastful oath? The artist, Richard Kindersley, has truly brought these Shakespearean characters to life. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of both art and literature, reminding us that life, like a play, unfolds in stages, each possessing its own unique beauty and drama.