Seven ages of a chef – in pictures

Georgina Dent, 20, demi chef at Murano, London, with Joyce Molyneux, 83, former chef and restaurateur at the Carved Angel, Dartmouth, Devon
Photograph: Pål Hansen for Observer Food Monthly

Georgina Dent, 20, on being a chef: 'Don't be lazy. Be prepared to give up your life for food'
Photograph: Pål Hansen for Observer Food Monthly

James Lowe, 34, head chef, Lyle's, London: 'I love cooking, but I love restaurants more – it's the whole package'
Photograph: Pål Hansen for Observer Food Monthly

Anna Hansen, 44, head chef, The Modern Pantry, London: 'Happiness is beautiful food for happy guests and getting out by midnight'
Photograph: Pål Hansen for Observer Food Monthly

Giorgio Locatelli, 51, chef and restaurateur, Locanda Locatelli, London: 'I love the idea that someone can come to the restaurant pissed off and leave happy'
Photograph: Pål Hansen for Observer Food Monthly

Rick Stein, 67: 'I did have a very determined idea of making money. I was quite savvy about that'
Photograph: Pål Hansen for Observer Food Monthly

Albert Roux, 78: 'I've always seen food as my life, never wanted to change, even on the hardest days'
Photograph: Murdo Macleod for Observer Food Monthly

Joyce Molyneux, 83: 'I would definitely recommend it as a good profession for women' Photograph: Pål Hansen for Observer Food Monthly

Georgina Dent and Joyce Molyneux. Series thanks to hair and makeup: Juliana Sergot, Jyn San; props: Lucy Jensen and Natalie Corfield, and JJ Locations
Photograph: Pål Hansen for Observer Food Monthly