EXAMPLES OF PUBLIC ART INCLUDING MONUMENTS

SCULPTURE OF A SWAN BY ANNETTE McCORMACK

August 23, 2024 by infomatique

AT THE STRAND PARK IN NEWBRIDGE CHRISTMAS 2012

There is a sculpture of a Swan – Cosantóir (protector) at the entrance to the Liffey Linear Park in Newbridge.

Name of artist: Annette McCormack
Name of artwork: ‘Cosantoir’ – Protector
Year of installation: 2010
Medium: Bronze
Location: ‘The Strand’ park, Newbridge

Artist’s Background: Annette McCormack is an Irish sculptor known for her figurative works in bronze. Her pieces often explore themes of nature, mythology, and the human condition. She has exhibited widely in Ireland and internationally.
Artwork Description: “Cosantoir,” meaning “Protector” in Irish, is a bronze sculpture of a swan.
It’s a life-size representation, capturing the bird’s graceful form and powerful presence. The swan is depicted with its wings slightly raised, conveying a sense of both protection and vigilance.
Location and Significance: The sculpture is located in The Strand park, Newbridge, which is part of the Liffey Linear Park. The swan is a fitting symbol for this location, as the River Liffey is home to a variety of birdlife, including swans. The artwork adds a touch of beauty and meaning to the park, inviting visitors to appreciate the natural world and the importance of conservation.

ORPEN SCULPTURE AT THE TALBOT HOTEL IN STILLORGAN

August 23, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 20 AUGUST 2024

Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood Unveils Orpen Sculpture at Historic Talbot Hotel Stillorgan

Stillorgan, Dublin – [September 27 2018] – The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, a historic landmark steeped in South Dublin’s heritage, recently hosted a weekend of commemorative events honouring the renowned artist Sir William Orpen, who was born in Stillorgan in 1878.

The celebrations culminated on Saturday, 15th September, with the unveiling of a specially-commissioned bronze sculpture of Orpen by Rolling Stones guitarist and artist, Ronnie Wood. The striking 11-foot-tall piece, created by Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie, now stands proudly outside the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, a fitting tribute to the artist in his birthplace.

Wood, an admirer of Orpen’s work, expressed his delight at bringing the sculpture to the town, marking the successful culmination of years of planning and fundraising by the Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce.

Following the unveiling, a concert featuring renowned musicians such as Paul Harrington, Paddy Cole, and Fiachra Trench, Orpen’s grand-nephew, took place at the hotel.

The second day of the celebrations saw an art exhibition showcasing Orpen’s work, and a presentation on the artist’s life and times by Dominic Lee, Project Manager of the William Orpen Weekend.

Lee remarked on the significance of the weekend, stating, “The realisation of this project is a testament to the dedication of the Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce, Rowan Gillespie, the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan team, and the generous donors. It has been a labour of love to honour one of our most beloved artists.”

About the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan

The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan occupies a site rich in history. It is believed that the original Mount Merrion House, built in the early 1800s, once graced these grounds. The house was later divided, and in 1961, the South County Hotel opened on the site. Following a rebranding in 1986 and subsequent expansions, the hotel stands today as the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, a testament to the area’s evolving landscape while honouring its past.

About the Artist: Rowan Gillespie

Rowan Gillespie, an internationally renowned Irish sculptor, is celebrated for his mastery of bronze casting and his ability to evoke powerful emotions through his art.
Born in Dublin in 1953, Gillespie spent his formative years in Cyprus before returning to Ireland to pursue his passion for sculpture.

Working alone in his purpose-built foundry in Blackrock, Gillespie personally oversees every aspect of the creative process, from conception to installation. This dedication to hands-on craftsmanship is evident in the intricate detail and emotional depth of his sculptures.

Gillespie’s work encompasses a wide range of subjects, often drawing inspiration from Irish history, literature, and mythology. His notable public commissions include the poignant “Famine” memorial on Dublin’s Custom House Quay, the iconic statue of James Joyce on North Earl Street, and the evocative “Proclamation” sculpture commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising.

The recently unveiled sculpture of Sir William Orpen is a testament to Gillespie’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects. The 11-foot-tall bronze piece, featuring a bust inspired by one of Orpen’s self-portraits, stands as a powerful tribute to the artist and his legacy.

Gillespie’s work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, reminding us of the power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and connect us to our shared human experience.

A LONELY RHINO IN THE DODDER

August 23, 2024 by infomatique

BEHIND THE DROPPING WELL PUB

The Dodder Rhino: A Mysterious Marvel

In the heart of Dublin, nestled by the River Dodder, stands an enigmatic bronze rhinoceros. Its imposing presence startles passersby as they cross Classon’s Bridge, adjacent to The Dropping Well pub. This life-sized sculpture, cast in bronze, commands attention from its plinth in the middle of the river.

A Lifelike Creation: The sculptor behind this masterpiece spared no effort. Every crease in the rhino’s skin is meticulously detailed, lending it a remarkably realistic appearance. Some say it’s as if this enormous mammal escaped from Dublin Zoo, journeying miles along the River Dodder to find its current home.

Dublin’s Best-Kept Secret: The Dodder Rhino has become a symbol of Rathmines, a district in Dublin. At The Dropping Well, one of the town’s oldest Irish pubs, the owners affectionately consider the river-dwelling rhino their “pet.” They even organised a contest to name it, with suggestions like “Milltown Muddler” and “The Plodder in the Dodder.” Ultimately, “Dodder Rhino” prevailed.
The Mystery Endures

THE BRONZE COW WAS ENJOYING LIFE BACK IN 2016

June 4, 2024 by infomatique

BUT IT IS NOW LONELY AS IT WAS RELOCATED TO WOOD QUAY

ABOUT THE ARTIST AND THE LOCATION

PUBLIC ART COLLECTION

The bronze cow sculpture, aptly titled “Ag Crú na Gréine” or “Enjoying the Sun,” was indeed a beloved feature of Wolfe Tone Park in Dublin. Crafted by Jackie McKenna, the life-sized cow was particularly popular with children who would often climb and play on it.

BISHOP STREET ENTRANCE TO TULLY PARK

March 31, 2024 by infomatique

COULD BE CORTEN STEEL SCULPTURES

Tully Park, located in Cherrywood, Dublin, is a significant public space spanning 9 hectares. It’s the flagship park of the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) and is entered around the national monument and protected structure Tully Church.

The park is divided into four zones: a Heritage Zone with Tully Church & Graveyard, High Crosses and their environs; a Biodiversity Zone with lots of native wildflowers, shrubs, trees and informal paths; a Play Zone; and a Passive Zone.

The park provides a range of visitor attractions including fitness, play and ecological trails, active and passive recreational areas, a playground with a café, and a distinctive heritage area incorporating three national monuments.

Facilities and amenities in the park include a tea room, externally accessible public toilets, staff space, storage, and ancillary accommodation.

As for the metal sculpture at the entrance of Tully Park, I couldn’t find specific information about it. It’s possible that it’s a part of the public art installations mentioned in the park’s development plan.

Bishop Street is a major road in the Cherrywood development, a large-scale urban project in South Dublin, Ireland.

It’s a key part of Town Centre 1 (TC1), one of the planned town centres within the Cherrywood development.

Bishop Street connects with Wyattville Link Road, another significant thoroughfare in the area.

Cherrywood’s developers chose street names that reflect the existing place names or the history of the area.

“Bishop Street” likely references the historical legend of the “seven bishops” associated with Tully/ Tulagh-na-nEaspag (‘Hillock of the Bishops’). This connects with the area’s rich past.