Some Public Art of Dublin
Sharon and I did a lot of walking in Dublin and would often come across some of its public art. We only saw a very small sample of what is throughout the city, but here are a few of my favourites.
Molly Mahone Statue
“The Tart with the Cart” or “The Trollop with the Scallops”
(And no, I am not referring to Sharon.)
This is a well loved public statue in Dublin. Unknown to many, Molly Mahone – a real life historical figure from Dublin and “her” folk song (first published 1883 although some references to more suggestive lyrics go back to 1790) - was the inspiration for the “Cockles And Mussels” song in Disney's Mary Poppins movie. She died in June 1699.
Nicknamed the “Tart with the Cart” alludes to the fact that she wasn't just a fishmonger, she as also a prostitute (as so many poor women were historically, a choice often between life or death).
Below is the clean version of the 'ditty', but the lyrics from the 1790s were pretty raunchy. I will leave you to look up those lyrics on the world wide net yourself.
Molly Mahone Statue
“The Tart with the Cart” or “The Trollop with the Scallops”
(And no, I am not referring to Sharon.)
This is a well loved public statue in Dublin. Unknown to many, Molly Mahone – a real life historical figure from Dublin and “her” folk song (first published 1883 although some references to more suggestive lyrics go back to 1790) - was the inspiration for the “Cockles And Mussels” song in Disney's Mary Poppins movie. She died in June 1699.
Nicknamed the “Tart with the Cart” alludes to the fact that she wasn't just a fishmonger, she as also a prostitute (as so many poor women were historically, a choice often between life or death).
Below is the clean version of the 'ditty', but the lyrics from the 1790s were pretty raunchy. I will leave you to look up those lyrics on the world wide net yourself.
In Dublin's fair city
where the girls are so pretty I once met a girl named sweet Molly Malone and she wheeled her wheel barrow through the streets broad and narrow singing cockles and mussels alive alive oh She was a fish monger and sure was no wonder so were her mother and father before and they wheeled their wheel barrow through the streets broad and narrow singing cockles and mussels alive alive oh She died of a fever and so one could save her and… She died of a fever and so one could save her and that was the end of sweet Molly Malone now her ghost wheels her barrow through the streets broad and narrow singing cockles and mussels alive alive oh Alive alive oh alive alive ohh Singing cockles and mussels alive alive ohhh |
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Linesman Sculpture – River Liffey
Sculpture along the banks of the Liffey River – Sharon is helping him with his work. (Kinda.)
Sculpture along the banks of the Liffey River – Sharon is helping him with his work. (Kinda.)
The National Memorial,
Merrion Square (Unveiled 2008) This memorial is dedicated to members of the Defence Forces who died in the service of the State. My pictures don't do it justice. You look through the glass and an eternal flame burns. In each of its four corners are sculptures of soldiers. It is very beautiful. Love its design. |
The Victims by Andrew O'Conner
The Victims was installed in Merrion park in 1976 but was actually given to the Dublin Municipal Gallery in 1938 and 1947 by members of O'Connor's family. It was originally intended for a huge war memorial in Washington DC which never materialized. The sculpture group is of three figures: a dead soldier strapped to a bier, mourned by his wife and his mother. Obviously the symbolism to Jesus, Holy Mary Mother of Sorrows, and Mary Magdelane is intended – and powerful. |
Spire
The Spire of Dublin (2003) is located on the site of what was formerly “Nelson's Pillar”.
Nelson's Pillar, as a symbol of British domination and occupation, was blown up by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1966.
You must see this spire in person... it is outrageously tall.
Very impressive.
(Some pictures below were taken from a moving bus - so not up to my usual standard. It was just that it was so very tall, it was hard to get a good picture.)
The Spire of Dublin (2003) is located on the site of what was formerly “Nelson's Pillar”.
Nelson's Pillar, as a symbol of British domination and occupation, was blown up by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1966.
You must see this spire in person... it is outrageously tall.
Very impressive.
(Some pictures below were taken from a moving bus - so not up to my usual standard. It was just that it was so very tall, it was hard to get a good picture.)
Oscar Wilde statue
Oscar Wilde - author, playwright and poet was born in 1854 at No. 1 Merrion Square – just across the road from where his statue is now.
Oscar Wilde is remembered for his extensive writings, his sharp wit and his flamboyant dress.
Have seen and loved his plays!
Oscar Wilde - author, playwright and poet was born in 1854 at No. 1 Merrion Square – just across the road from where his statue is now.
Oscar Wilde is remembered for his extensive writings, his sharp wit and his flamboyant dress.
Have seen and loved his plays!