SCULPTURE BY KATHLEEN O’BRIEN
![53 MOUNTJOY STREET [THE WESTERN WAY SIDE OF THE BUILDING FEATURES A METAL SPIDER'S WEB]-248537-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/AllFormsOfPublicArtIncludingMonuments/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/53-MOUNTJOY-STREET-THE-WESTERN-WAY-SIDE-OF-THE-BUILDING-FEATURES-A-METAL-SPIDERS-WEB-248537-1-1422x1067.jpg "53 MOUNTJOY STREET [THE WESTERN WAY SIDE OF THE BUILDING FEATURES A METAL SPIDER'S WEB]-248537-1")
On the Western Way side of 53 Mountjoy Street, a striking metal spider’s web, a work of art by Kathleen O’Brien, adorns the wall. For many, including myself, the structure was initially mistaken for remnants of an old advertising hoarding. However, it is, in fact, a commissioned piece of public art. According to Wikipedia, this iron representation of a spider’s web was commissioned by Dr Austin O’Carroll, whose general practitioner (GP) practice was formerly located within the building. This detail adds significant context to the artwork, transforming it from a mere metal structure into a piece with a personal and community connection.
The building itself holds historical architectural merit, retaining many of its early 19th-century features. These include an original doorcase and decorative window on the front elevation, traditional timber sash windows, and cast-iron railings protecting the basement area. Inside, the building preserves its plaster cornices, offering a glimpse into its past. Mountjoy Street’s development can be traced back to the early 1800s, with its initial growth noted on Corbet’s 1821 map and its established presence on Wilson’s 1829 map. Originally numbered 20, before the street’s renumbering, the property was valued at £60 in Pettigrew and Oulton’s 1844 street directory. 53 Mountjoy Street maintains the consistent parapet height and fenestration arrangement of its neighbouring buildings, contributing positively to the architectural cohesion of both Mountjoy Street and the Western Way.
Kathleen O’Brien, the artist behind the spider’s web, is known for her metalwork and public art installations. While specific details about her broader body of work and artistic philosophy in relation to this piece are limited within the provided context, it’s clear that the spider’s web serves as a unique and unexpected feature on the building. The spider web could be interpreted as a symbol of healing, or as a symbol of the interconnectedness of the community that the GP practice served. It creates a point of interest for those that walk by. O’Brien’s work, in this instance, successfully blends art with the building’s historical and functional past, adding an intriguing layer to the street’s character.