IS IT GENUINE PUBLIC ART OR SOMETHING ELSE
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The Lock Keeper statue near the 10th Lock on the Royal Canal in Ashtown always piqued my curiosity. Is this life-sized figure, seemingly frozen in time as he carries out his duties, a piece of public art commemorating the canal’s heritage, or something else entirely?
The timing of its installation, coinciding with the opening of the Lock Keeper Pub just steps away, raises an intriguing question. Could this statue be a clever marketing ploy, a promotional device designed to draw attention to the new establishment and create a thematic link to the canal’s history?
The absence of a plaque, any record of a public unveiling ceremony, and the lack of readily available information about the artist or commission all point towards this possibility. It’s conceivable that the pub, or its landlord, commissioned the statue as a way to enhance the area and attract customers, rather than as a purely artistic endeavour.
If this is the case, it presents a fascinating example of how private businesses can utilise art to shape public spaces and even influence our perception of history. The statue, whether intended as public art or a promotional tool, undeniably adds to the character of the canal towpath and serves as a reminder of Ashtown’s rich past, interwoven with its present-day development.
The Lock Keeper can be found at Lock 10, a double lock constructed in 1792 with quality stonework and attractive sloping edges. One of 46 along the 145km Royal Canal, which runs from the River Liffey to the River Shannon, Lock 10 stands as a testament to the skill of its builders. Originally built for freight and passenger transportation, the canal saw its last working barges cease operation in 1951 and was officially closed to traffic in 1960. The pub sits adjacent to the former Lock Keeper’s House, a post rendered obsolete by the canal’s closure.
Now beautifully maintained by Waterways Ireland, the lock, the sculpture, and the pub are easily accessible from Dublin City Centre. Arrive by canoe, enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle along the towpath, or take a scenic short train journey from Connolly Station to Ashtown.
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