Sophia (meaning ‘wisdom’ in Greek) was carved by sculpture and architectural stone carver Tom Waugh and has watched over the gardens at Gladstone's Library since 2010. Her four stone benches - Cariad (Love), Heddwch (Peace), Gwirionedd (Truth), and Cyfiawnder (Justice) - invite the thinker to idle and contemplate a-while.
After visiting Gladstone’s Library to attend some writing workshops, Angela Platt was inspired to write the below poem about the statue, which we think is a beautiful response.
A human body growsfrom limestone,carved Kilkenny Blueby gifted hand.One shoulder swathedclothes arm and abdomen,right breast maternal offeringaccessible and true.White tresses framea humble knowingness,an oval countenancesquarely eyeing world.Right hand endows a windfall,a branch of hope and peaceembodied in an olive tree.A wise and rooted she.
By Angela Platt, February 2018
Image: Lauren Holmes