BIRDY OF THE LEDGE
DISCOVERING BIRDY THE HIDDEN GEM BY ROWAN GILLESPIE [AT CRESCENT HALL 5 JULY 2025]
Discovering 'Birdy': A Hidden Gem by Rowan Gillespie in Dublin
Nestled subtly on a windowsill at Crescent Hall in Dublin's Mount Street Crescent, you might just overlook one of Ireland's most intriguing public sculptures: 'Birdy' by the acclaimed artist Rowan Gillespie. Commissioned by Johnny Ronan of Treasury Holdings in 1997, this diminutive bronze figure offers a profound narrative, despite its modest scale.
'Birdy' is often described as a timid figure, poised precariously, much like a fledgling on the verge of its inaugural flight. This evokes a sense of nervous anticipation and the courage required for new beginnings. The sculpture depicts a crouching, naked woman, symbolising a bird newly freed from its cage, ready to embrace the sky. Its delicate positioning on the building's facade reinforces its theme of liberation and potential, making it a poignant piece for those fortunate enough to spot it. The sculpture measures 122 cm in height, as per Gillespie's own details.
Gillespie, born in Dublin in 1953, is a highly respected Irish bronze casting sculptor with an international reputation. Unique in his craft, he works meticulously alone, from the initial design concept to the final casting process, at his own foundry in Clonlea. His mastery of the traditional lost wax casting method allows him to imbue his works with deep human emotion. Gillespie's distinctive style, characterised by elongated and stylised figures, has resulted in numerous public commissions across Ireland, Europe, and North America. 'Birdy' shares a thematic link with another of his significant works, 'Aspiration,' commissioned by Johnny Ronan for the Treasury Building. Both pieces explore themes of striving and transformation.
The precise location of 'Birdy' is 3 Crescent Hall, Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2, D02 YF20. This area is known for its blend of traditional Georgian architecture and modern business districts, making 'Birdy' a thoughtful addition to the urban landscape.
Discovering 'Birdy': A Hidden Gem by Rowan Gillespie in Dublin
Nestled subtly on a windowsill at Crescent Hall in Dublin's Mount Street Crescent, you might just overlook one of Ireland's most intriguing public sculptures: 'Birdy' by the acclaimed artist Rowan Gillespie. Commissioned by Johnny Ronan of Treasury Holdings in 1997, this diminutive bronze figure offers a profound narrative, despite its modest scale.
'Birdy' is often described as a timid figure, poised precariously, much like a fledgling on the verge of its inaugural flight. This evokes a sense of nervous anticipation and the courage required for new beginnings. The sculpture depicts a crouching, naked woman, symbolising a bird newly freed from its cage, ready to embrace the sky. Its delicate positioning on the building's facade reinforces its theme of liberation and potential, making it a poignant piece for those fortunate enough to spot it. The sculpture measures 122 cm in height, as per Gillespie's own details.
Gillespie, born in Dublin in 1953, is a highly respected Irish bronze casting sculptor with an international reputation. Unique in his craft, he works meticulously alone, from the initial design concept to the final casting process, at his own foundry in Clonlea. His mastery of the traditional lost wax casting method allows him to imbue his works with deep human emotion. Gillespie's distinctive style, characterised by elongated and stylised figures, has resulted in numerous public commissions across Ireland, Europe, and North America. 'Birdy' shares a thematic link with another of his significant works, 'Aspiration,' commissioned by Johnny Ronan for the Treasury Building. Both pieces explore themes of striving and transformation.
The precise location of 'Birdy' is 3 Crescent Hall, Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2, D02 YF20. This area is known for its blend of traditional Georgian architecture and modern business districts, making 'Birdy' a thoughtful addition to the urban landscape.