THE ART AND THE ARTIST
When I photographed this sculpture in 2021 it was in very poor condition and I was unable to determine the name of the artist or anything about the sculpture. When I visited in 2025 it was gone and that fact allowed me to discover that it was now at the Hunt Museum Garden which was good news.
Wave Form' Sculpture Finds New Home in Limerick
The 'Wave Form' sculpture, a significant bronze work by Limerick-born artist Jim Flavin (1961–2004), has been officially unveiled at its new location in the Hunt Museum Garden.
A Journey of Restoration
'Wave Form' was originally created during the 1987 Limerick Sculpture Symposium, an event organised by the Sculptor’s Society of Ireland and funded by Limerick Corporation and the Arts Council.
For many years, it stood on Merchant’s Quay, opposite the Potato Market. While this location was suitable in 1987, the evolving urban use of the site eventually made it less ideal for showcasing the artwork.
In collaboration with the Flavin family, Limerick City and County Council initiated a meticulous art restoration project. The sculpture itself was repaired and reconditioned, and its original limestone plinth was replaced with durable Wicklow granite. The sculpture now joins companion pieces from the 1987 symposium in the Hunt Garden, including 'Poised Portal' (limestone) and 'Sweeney’s Throne' (stainless steel/limestone).
This repair and relocation project was funded by the Per Cent for Art scheme (under Housing/Regeneration Capital Projects 2012–2019) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The Unveiling
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell, unveiled the sculpture in the presence of Jim Flavin’s wife, Rosemary, and son, Michael.
"Jim Flavin’s contributions to public art in Dublin and Limerick remain enduring testaments to his talent," commented Mayor Mitchell. "Today’s event is particularly special as it represents a heartfelt collaboration between the Flavin family and Limerick City and County Council. At the request of Rosemary and family, the sculpture has been meticulously repaired and reconditioned, ensuring that Jim's artistic vision continues to inspire future generations.”
Rosemary Flavin spoke of the family's delight in seeing the work restored:
“As a family we are very grateful to Limerick City and County Council for ensuring that this sculpture was given the love and care that was required to bring it back to its original condition. It gives me great pleasure to know that 'Wave Form' can be enjoyed by the public in the beautiful and appropriate setting of the Hunt Museum Sculpture Garden.”
She added, “Jim's fascination with bronze led him to produce work that on one hand shows the strength and power of the material, while on the other hand celebrates the fluidity of molten bronze in flowing harmonious lines.”
About the Artist: Jim Flavin
Jim Flavin (1961–2004) was born in Athea, Co. Limerick. He studied at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), the Crawford School of Art in Cork, and the Lasallian International Art and Culture Centre in Florence.
He was a regular exhibitor at the RHA in Dublin during the 1990s, and his work is represented in major private and corporate collections, including AIB and Áras an Uachtaráin. He also completed significant public art commissions for both Dublin and Limerick City Corporations.
His connection to his home village of Athea remains strong. He was commissioned by the local community to create a sculpture depicting the "Giant" from Celtic mythology (as part of their 'The Giant’s Village' promotion) and another to honour the Ahearne Brothers, Athea natives who became Olympic (1908) and World Champions in the Triple Jump.
The inclusion of 'Wave Form' in the Hunt Museum's Sculpture Garden creates an engaging and accessible display of public art, allowing residents and visitors to Limerick to enjoy the piece for many years to come.
Wave Form' Sculpture Finds New Home in Limerick
The 'Wave Form' sculpture, a significant bronze work by Limerick-born artist Jim Flavin (1961–2004), has been officially unveiled at its new location in the Hunt Museum Garden.
A Journey of Restoration
'Wave Form' was originally created during the 1987 Limerick Sculpture Symposium, an event organised by the Sculptor’s Society of Ireland and funded by Limerick Corporation and the Arts Council.
For many years, it stood on Merchant’s Quay, opposite the Potato Market. While this location was suitable in 1987, the evolving urban use of the site eventually made it less ideal for showcasing the artwork.
In collaboration with the Flavin family, Limerick City and County Council initiated a meticulous art restoration project. The sculpture itself was repaired and reconditioned, and its original limestone plinth was replaced with durable Wicklow granite. The sculpture now joins companion pieces from the 1987 symposium in the Hunt Garden, including 'Poised Portal' (limestone) and 'Sweeney’s Throne' (stainless steel/limestone).
This repair and relocation project was funded by the Per Cent for Art scheme (under Housing/Regeneration Capital Projects 2012–2019) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The Unveiling
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell, unveiled the sculpture in the presence of Jim Flavin’s wife, Rosemary, and son, Michael.
"Jim Flavin’s contributions to public art in Dublin and Limerick remain enduring testaments to his talent," commented Mayor Mitchell. "Today’s event is particularly special as it represents a heartfelt collaboration between the Flavin family and Limerick City and County Council. At the request of Rosemary and family, the sculpture has been meticulously repaired and reconditioned, ensuring that Jim's artistic vision continues to inspire future generations.”
Rosemary Flavin spoke of the family's delight in seeing the work restored:
“As a family we are very grateful to Limerick City and County Council for ensuring that this sculpture was given the love and care that was required to bring it back to its original condition. It gives me great pleasure to know that 'Wave Form' can be enjoyed by the public in the beautiful and appropriate setting of the Hunt Museum Sculpture Garden.”
She added, “Jim's fascination with bronze led him to produce work that on one hand shows the strength and power of the material, while on the other hand celebrates the fluidity of molten bronze in flowing harmonious lines.”
About the Artist: Jim Flavin
Jim Flavin (1961–2004) was born in Athea, Co. Limerick. He studied at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), the Crawford School of Art in Cork, and the Lasallian International Art and Culture Centre in Florence.
He was a regular exhibitor at the RHA in Dublin during the 1990s, and his work is represented in major private and corporate collections, including AIB and Áras an Uachtaráin. He also completed significant public art commissions for both Dublin and Limerick City Corporations.
His connection to his home village of Athea remains strong. He was commissioned by the local community to create a sculpture depicting the "Giant" from Celtic mythology (as part of their 'The Giant’s Village' promotion) and another to honour the Ahearne Brothers, Athea natives who became Olympic (1908) and World Champions in the Triple Jump.
The inclusion of 'Wave Form' in the Hunt Museum's Sculpture Garden creates an engaging and accessible display of public art, allowing residents and visitors to Limerick to enjoy the piece for many years to come.