The rapid developments in the economy, particularly later in the so-called Celtic Tiger years, fuelled a new class of collectors who had the money, and the desire for status, which brought about a sculpture boom. In the public sphere, the climate was slowly changing, in part because of the development of independent exhibition bodies (IELA in 1943; The Independents in 1960; and EVA in 1977), as well as major displays such as the Rosc exhibitions from 1967 onwards.
In 1926, the government decided to produce a coinage for the new Free State. A committee, chaired by the poet W.B. Yeats, was set up to suggest suitable designs. The harp, now uncrowned, was chosen for the obverse. A novel approach was taken to the reverse designs. It was decided that the motifs to be portrayed should have an association, not with history or politics, but with the fauna of the Irish countryside.
Information on Irish graveyard and churchyard sculpture has tended to be localized. Ada Longfield’s pioneering work in the field in the 1940s and 1950s concentrated mainly on counties Wicklow and Wexford, although significant gravestone art was noted by her in other areas.
Artist selected for Ballyfermot People’s Park sculpture Artists shortlisted for Kildonan Park sculpture in Finglas Prestigious panel selected to nominate artists for the…
