The Little White Bird, published in 1902 by J.M. Barrie, introduced the character of Peter Pan, who, “like all infants,” was once part bird but must now adapt to an earthbound life. Stranded in Kensington Gardens, Peter is raised by the magical creatures that inhabit the park. In 1906, these chapters were released separately as Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, featuring illustrations by the renowned Arthur Rackham.
Barrie lived just across the road from Kensington Gardens at 100 Bayswater Road, and took inspiration for his story from a family of five young boys he met by chance at the park. He also drew upon many real-life locations within the parks, sprinkling them with ‘pixie dust’ so that they become something magical. For example, the hidden pet cemetery on the edge of Hyde Park, with its tiny gravestones, was reimagined as the final resting place of children who were left behind in the park after closing time.
In 1912, a statue of Peter Pan was erected next to the Long Water. This is the spot where Peter lands his bird-nest boat in The Little White Bird. This statue was a gift from J. M. Barrie, who generously funded it himself.
Barrie had the bronze statue erected in Kensington Gardens on 30th April 1912, without fanfare and without permission, so that it might appear to children that the fairies had put it in place overnight. He published a notice in The Times newspaper the following day, 1 May:
"There is a surprise in store for the children who go to Kensington Gardens to feed the ducks in the Serpentine this morning. Down by the little bay on the south-western side of the tail of the Serpentine they will find a May-day gift by Mr J.M. Barrie, a figure of Peter Pan blowing his pipe on the stump of a tree, with fairies and mice and squirrels all around. It is the work of Sir George Frampton, and the bronze figure of the boy who would never grow up is delightfully conceived." Chaney, Lisa (2006). Hide-and-Seek with Angels: A Life of J. M. Barrie. Arrow.
The statue is 14 metres high. It consists of a figure of Peter Pan standing on top of a tree stump, blowing a trumpet. Dancing all around the tree trunk are small animals and fairies, placed at a perfect height for children to play with – and that’s exactly what happened!
A photograph from 1943 shows a group of children gathered around the statue in Kensington Gardens. For this group of children, the statue and the park were welcome distractions from the war that raged in Europe. This photograph was used to promote the ‘Holidays at Home’ campaign, which encouraged citizens to holiday in their local area in order to save railway capacity for the war effort. In this small way, Peter played his part too!
Today, South Kensington’s cultural institutions continue to celebrate storytelling, imagination, and creativity - the very essence of Peter Pan. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A are perfect reminders of the area’s dedication to inspiring wonder in children and adults alike. It feels fitting that South Kensington, a place where art, science, and history come together, shares a connection to a tale that has brought joy to generations.
You can find out more about the Peter Pan Statue at Kensington Gardens here.
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