Seven Ages
(1996)
Original Location : Springfield library, Maidstone, Kent
Final Location : Cobtree Manor Park, Maidstone, Kent
Materials : European Oak
Funding : KCC Arts & Libraries
Seven Ages in its original location outside KCC Springfield Library
Seven Ages engages with aspects of time: cycles of growth and decay, transformation and change. It makes reference to the cycles and seasons of life in the form of seven 'books', each carved to depict a particular stage in the yearly cycle of plants, but also suggesting different stages of life. The sculpture forms an unbroken ring, with a seat placed between the beginning and end of the continuous cycle, a place to dwell and contemplate. Each book might be considered as anthropomorphic, with spines running down their backs, and linked arms or limbs.The sculpture's polygonal design reflects the shape of the original Kent County Council main lending library at Springfield, Maidstone, where it was originally located.
Around 2012 A new county library was built at Springfield on another site. The original library was to be demolished for re-development. Thankfully Seven Ages was re-located to a new site - the nearby Cobtree Manor Park.
