Father Courage

Father Courage is a sculpture created in 1960 by F E McWilliam, located outside the Gulbenkian Theatre on the University of Kent's Canterbury campus. The bronze sculpture stands approximately two metres tall on a square concrete plinth. It resembles a primitive totem or idol, depicting a seated asexual figure. The body is elongated with sloping shoulders, and the limbs are minimally suggested, primarily through the drape of a robe or gown that hints at the thighs and knees. The figure has a slender neck topped with an oversized, wedge-shaped head that is largely featureless, except for round, bulging eyes. The bronze surface is rough, a texture achieved by pressing objects into the clay model before casting. A small plaque on the plinth identifies the work as 'FATHER COURAGE' OR 'BAAL' 1960 / F.E. McWILLIAM C.B.E., A.R.A. / (1909 - 1992).