Acclaimed sculptor offers his services free for Ó Conaire replica

One of Ireland’s most eminent sculptors has told City Hall: Do the replica statue of Pádraic Ó Conaire properly or not at all. 

Galway’s John Coll, who has 27 years experience in bronze figurative sculpture, has also expressed fears that the new bronze replica of the famous poet’s statue would be “shunted into a corner” in Eyre Square deprived of space to ‘breathe’.

He has even offered to oversee the project “free gratis” so that it is done properly. “I just want it done right; let’s just do it properly,” he said.

Mr Coll, originally from Taylor’s Hill and now living in Dublin, said he fears that the expertise may not exist in Galway City Council to oversee the project because it involves several different disciplines and not just bronze sculpting.

Mr Coll said there are probably three firms in Ireland with the required expertise, but he is worried what will happen if it goes out to tender.

“It’s a precise and technical job. If it goes out to tender I’m afraid that it will go to the lowest bidder, who will be cheapest but who might not have the technical skills and expertise to do it properly.

“It is a complex piece of renovation which must be carried out to best practice and by someone with the necessary skills in bronze casting, moulding and colouring,” Mr Coll told the Galway City Tribune.

 “This is an iconic image and it cannot be allowed to be shunted into the sculpture garden. It is a strong stand alone piece and needs space around for it to breathe and be admired. Just like a painting needs a certain amount of space on a wall, a sculpture also needs space.

“The City Council, let’s face it, has egg on its face following the Daly art collection debacle and this is an opportunity for redemption and to show that they are serious about art and our cultural heritage,” he added.

At a recent Council meeting, elected members agreed to leave the Ó Conaire statue in Galway Museum and commission a bronze replica for Eyre Square as a compromise.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.