The Whimsical Legacy of a Master Sculptor and His Lasting Impact
Gilbert Bayes, a visionary sculptor, enchanted Somers Town with his playful artistry during the 1930s, forever imprinting the neighbourhood with a sense of wonder and creativity. Renowned for his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary,
Bayes designed more than 200 ceramic finials—exquisite ornaments that once crowned washing posts, buildings, and courtyards, turning these humble fixtures into captivating works of art.
The Artistic Transformation of Everyday Life
Bayes believed that art should not be confined to galleries or the privileged few; instead, it should live among people, brightening daily existence. Nowhere is this philosophy clearer than in his work for the “Fairy Tale Estate” in Somers Town, so named for the magical atmosphere conjured by Bayes’ whimsical decorations.
Here, residents and visitors alike could admire finials in the shapes of fantastic creatures—blackbirds feasting on a pie, ship-shaped ornaments, and even vibrant fish recalling the story of St. Anthony preaching to the fish. These delightful creations were not mere embellishments; they invited the community to engage with art every time they stepped outside.
Here is a list of the Flats and their Finial Themes:
- St Augustines – Deer & Roe
- St Christopher’s – Blackbirds & Wrens
- St Francis – Taylors & Snail
- St Nicholas – Ships & Christmas Tree
- St Michaels – Devil’s & St Michael
- St Anthony – St Anthony & Fish
- St Martin – St Martin & Galleons
- St Josephs & St Anns – Carpenter’s bag & Doves
- St George – Dragons & Monsters
Surviving Storms: War, Loss, and Restoration
Although many of Bayes’ original works survived the bombings of World War II, time, theft, and urban change have dwindled their numbers. In fact, all of the finials were stolen over the years, and today, they are rare treasures that occasionally appear at auction houses, fetching astonishing sums from collectors eager to own a piece of Somers Town’s history.
Only a handful of these precious originals have been recovered, thanks to the determined efforts of the People’s Museum in Somers Town. With generous donations from the local community, the museum has managed to buy back a few finials, restoring them to their rightful place and keeping Bayes’ joyful vision alive.
In 1937, Bayes sculpted the dragon finial for the St Pancras Housing Association, a testament to his attention to both beauty and narrative in public spaces.
Today, some of his most enchanting finials are safely preserved in the British Library’s basement. These rescued pieces serve as a quiet reminder of the area’s vibrant artistic history, while colourful replicas have been lovingly recreated and installed on local streets, ensuring Bayes’ joyful vision continues to blossom throughout Somers Town.
Landmarks and Legacy: Art Interwoven with Community
The streets of Somers Town are themselves a living gallery. On Aldenham Street, you’ll discover replica ship-shaped finials standing proudly around a Christmas tree and a commemorative plaque for Father Basil Jellicoe, the passionate advocate behind the “Housing is Not Enough!” campaign.
Bayes’ work is inseparable from the spirit of social reform that shaped the neighbourhood; his art was intended not just for decoration, but as an uplifting presence, echoing Jellicoe’s mission to make housing truly humane and inspiring.
The People’s Museum: A Treasury of Heritage
The People’s Museum in Somers Town has played a crucial role in restoring and showcasing two original Bayes finials, underlining its commitment to safeguarding the area’s rich heritage. Thanks to the support of the local community, the museum has been able to acquire several finials that were once lost to theft and the auction market.
The museum itself is a vibrant microcosm of local history, displaying everything from a dazzling Pearly Queen’s costume to curious artefacts like oversized models of fleas and bedbugs—grim reminders of the infestations that plagued the slums before Jellicoe’s reforms. Visitors will also encounter a figure of Frankenstein, honouring Mary Shelley, who wrote part of her famous novel while living in Somers Town.
Stories on Every Corner: Folklore and Street Art
Bayes’ playful spirit lives on in the area’s street art, too, such as lively finials inspired by a Scottish poem about twenty-four tailors chasing a snail. These fanciful ornaments once adorned the washing posts at St Francis Flats, and even now, they evoke stories, laughter, and the joyful sense of possibility that Bayes strove to nurture.
Enchanting the Everyday
Through his creative vision, Gilbert Bayes brought a fairy-tale charm to the heart of Somers Town, ensuring that art would remain accessible and inspiring for all who call it home.
The “Fairy Tale Estate” and the many sites touched by his hand stand as living testaments to his belief in the transformative power of imagination—a legacy that continues to enchant, uplift, and spark wonder in new generations.