Shropshire links inspire London exhibition by sculptor Jacob Chandler
Sculptures inspired by Shakespeare’s As You Like It are on display at a historic City of London church, drawing on the artist’s Shropshire roots.
A sculptor with roots in Shropshire has opened an exhibition inspired by Shakespeare’s As You Like It at a historic church in the City of London.
Jacob Chandler’s show at St James Garlickhythe features contemporary sculptures of characters including Phebe and Silvius, exploring themes of geometry, transformation and identity.
The work reflects the themes of change at the heart of Shakespeare’s play, particularly its final dance, which Chandler interprets as representing transitions between different dimensions of identity.
Chandler’s connection to Shropshire dates back to his childhood, when he studied art at the historic site of The Old Hall School in Wellington.
The building has a much longer history. In the 15th century, the site was known as Watling Street Hall and served as the ancestral seat of the Forester family, who were hereditary foresters of the Forest of Gilbert.
The exhibition also explores links between Shropshire and the Forest of Arden, the setting for much of As You Like It, and the historical connections between the county and London.
It follows a unanimous resolution by Shropshire Council celebrating the recovery of the play as part of the county’s cultural heritage. The council also sent official greetings to the Lord Mayor of London.
The exhibition highlights further historical links through Soulton, associated with Tudor statesman Sir Rowland Hill, who is said to have inspired the character of Old Sir Rowland de Boys in the play. Thomas Lodge Jr, whose work provided a source for Shakespeare’s story, is also linked to this heritage.
The sculptures are displayed against the historic architecture of St James Garlickhythe, a church rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London.
The exhibition runs until Friday.