New sculpture on Seafront

Cerco

I heard there is a new sculpture on the seafront near St. David's. Anybody know anything about it?

pixbyjohn

Cerco wrote: »

I heard there is a new sculpture on the seafront near St. David's. Anybody know anything about it?

I will post a photo tomorrow if there is a sculpture there

RosieJoe

From the Bray People

A bronze teddy-bear sculpture by Patrick O'Reilly has been commissioned for Greystones to commemorate the late Caroline Dwyer-Hickey ,who passed away last year at the age of 35 after a nine-year battle with cancer.

The Caroline Foundation and the local Tidy Towns association will install the sculpture overlooking the sea as a memoriam.

The announcement was made at last week's meeting of Greystones Town Council.

Cllr. Kelleher asked that pictures be provided to show what the sculpture will look like.

The members heard that sketches are available of the actual sculptures. Some had already seen photographs of similar sculptures at committee level. Cllr. George Jones said they are 'very tasteful'.

Jimjay

Seen pictures on various facebook pages and it looks great :-)

orchidsrpretty

Any link to the pics?

Jimjay

Jimjay wrote: »

Seen pictures on various facebook pages and it looks great :-)

A few on this page
https://m.facebook.com/davidoreillylocal/photos/ms.711959935514355.711959895514359.711959878847694.711959892181026.711959932181022.bps.a.711959862181029.1073741832.629984790378537/711959935514355/?type=1&source=48

There is also a facebook page for selfies with the sculpture but cant find it right now

cocker5

I think the sentiment is lovely, poor lady only 35....

But I wouldnt be a fan of the sculpture itself, from the picture above I think it looks pretty big etc... sorry :cool:

Jimjay

cocker5 wrote: »

I think the sentiment is lovely, poor lady only 35....

But I wouldnt be a fan of the sculpture itself, from the picture above I think it looks pretty big etc... sorry :cool:

Can see it wont be to everyones taste. I think its good for greystones, shows our artistic side :-)

I think it looks neat. Will have to see it for myself though to see whats its like with the view and surrounding area. Will certainly be a talking point for people passing on their seafront walk

JanneG

Look like the bears down by the O2/Point?

Jimjay

JanneG wrote: »

Look like the bears down by the O2/Point?

I heard its the same artist

JanneG

Jimjay wrote: »

I heard its the same artist

That could explain that alright...

Alun

JanneG wrote: »

Look like the bears down by the O2/Point?

Identical I'd say.

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Ireland/South/Dublin/photo1432240.htm

pixbyjohn

Beach Bear, Greystones Seafront by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

pixbyjohn

Beach Bear (21) by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

pixbyjohn

Beach Bear (3) by pixbyjohn, on Flickr

JanneG

Alun wrote: »

Identical I'd say.

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Ireland/South/Dublin/photo1432240.htm

other than the bucket and spade, yes...

Charlie-Bravo

Read through some of the facebook comments - more negative comments than I would have expected for something 'artistic'. For me I suppose I will reserve judgement till I see it in the flesh.

cocker5

astrofluff wrote: »

Read through some of the facebook comments - more negative comments than I would have expected for something 'artistic'. For me I suppose I will reserve judgement till I see it in the flesh.

Artistic - not too sure people see it as that to be honest.

I had a look last night while out on my nightly walk, and to be totally honest if they had of put it in the childrens playground in Greystones, it probably would look great, Pixbyjohn is correct they seem to love it (a number of kids delighted with it when i walked by last night). if it were erected there then it would be perfect and appropiate - IMO

Its quiet big 6/7 foot, kinda brash looking to be honest. It kinda spoils the view somewhat. I shudder to think how much Wicklow council spent of it considering it was "commissioned" etc.

Anyway in the right setting it would be good (children playgroud etc) but IMO it doesnt fit in where it is placed, looks garish infact.

Annasopra

cocker5 wrote: »

Artistic - not too sure people see it as that to be honest.

I had a look last night while out on my nightly walk, and to be totally honest if they had of put it in the childrens playground in Greystones, it probably would look great, Pixbyjohn is correct they seem to love it (a number of kids delighted with it when i walked by last night). if it were erected there then it would be perfect and appropiate - IMO

Its quiet big 6/7 foot, kinda brash looking to be honest. It kinda spoils the view somewhat. I shudder to think how much Wicklow council spent of it considering it was "commissioned" etc.

Anyway in the right setting it would be good (children playgroud etc) but IMO it doesnt fit in where it is placed, looks garish infact.

I think a charity paid for it

cocker5

Joeytheparrot wrote: »

I think a charity paid for it

Ahh ok.... apologies in the link above someone else posted i thought it suggested that Wicklow council or Greystones Tidy towns or something had paid for it or somewhat towards it - my mistake.

Im just sure it cost probably 30k or something and whoever paid for it the funds could have been better spent etc - thats all....

The sentiment for the lady who passed away is lovely... the poor woman and her family etc.

legrand

cocker5 wrote: »

Im just sure it cost probably 30k or something and whoever paid for it the funds could have been better spent etc - thats all....

Sending people into space / dying children
Military Budget / Vaccination programs
Street Art / Pot Holes
etc
etc

Its a whimsical piece of art that will devide opinion regardless of reason for it's installation.

On a somewhat contentious note and I mean no disrespect - is the seafront along by St Davids to become a memorial park - where the next installation might be radically different or bigger and better? As it stands the area (despite the road and footpath changes last year) is still, in my opinion one of the most attractive parts of Greystones - I'd hate to see it's natural coastal beauty impacted further. In other words... thanks but that's enough now.

poldebruin

Generally I like things of this nature, unusual sculptures and follies, but from the pictures posted I'm not keen on this - it looks more like an angry rat to me. Perhaps it will look different in real life.

cocker5

On a somewhat contentious note and I mean no disrespect - is the seafront along by St Davids to become a memorial park - where the next installation might be radically different or bigger and better? As it stands the area (despite the road and footpath changes last year) is still, in my opinion one of the most attractive parts of Greystones - I'd hate to see it's natural coastal beauty impacted further. In other words... thanks but that's enough now

I actually said this last night while out on a walk, didnt want to mention it in previous post as thought id be savaged for being "uncaring" etc and again no disrespect, but every bench is now dedicated to a loved one...

now a bunny is planted there... it does seem the bigger the better, its like a "trend" or something and i too agree enough is enough with all these additions they will not add to the beauty of the seafront only take away from it.

Again enough already

cocker5

poldebruin wrote: »

Generally I like things of this nature, unusual sculptures and follies, but from the pictures posted I'm not keen on this - it looks more like an angry rat to me. Perhaps it will look different in real life.

pretty much looks like what you described in real life TBH :cool:

Wicklow Will

To be perfectly frank... It's hideous and not the right setting for it.

This is no reflection on the lady whom it commemorates but rather on the piece itself. I don't get the relevance of the teddy bear with the site - the memorial benches are practical and unobtrusive but this irrelevant and out of scale. Bad decision all round !!!!!!!!

Blingy

legrand wrote: »

On a somewhat contentious note and I mean no disrespect - is the seafront along by St Davids to become a memorial park - where the next installation might be radically different or bigger and better? As it stands the area (despite the road and footpath changes last year) is still, in my opinion one of the most attractive parts of Greystones - I'd hate to see it's natural coastal beauty impacted further. In other words... thanks but that's enough now.

This was also my first thought. How many more memorials are going to be on the seafront. The benches are obviously also practical but an oversized sculpture seems a bit ott (no disrespect to the person it is in memory of) but going forward whats to stop there being lots more sculptures.

Maudi

We have a beautiful elevated sea view along that stretch of road..its hard to improve on such a natural vista..however as we can see with this "sculpture' its very easy to take away.....enough is enough already with street furniture blocking the view along here..as mentioned above the childrens park would be more suitable..or burnaby park etc..i wonder how much imput the manufacturer had in the location..very sad about the poor girl r.i.p.

loyatemu

compare the current vista with this

I'm generally in favour of cycle lanes and public art but I think Wicklow Co. Co. have dropped the ball on this, sometimes less is more (I'm not keen on the proliferation of granite memorial benches either).

DDD6

Message sent to the internationally renowned designer/artist Patrick O'Reilly this evening from an art expert......
"Just to let you know that you now have Greystones, Co. Wicklow in a joyful spin since 'Beach Bear' was erected yesterday. What a wonderful piece of work! The general consensus is that it is a 'she' due to the voluptuous figure and long eyelashes. I think the town is privileged to have such a quality piece of art to enjoy every day, and also feel very grateful to the Hickey family for donating it in memory of Caroline Hickey."

swingking

It's a total eyesore. I think it could become easily vandalised and I've no doubt that bucket will become a bin very shortly full of rubbish.

Not a fan at all of this although I like the idea of putting something in memory of a good cause.

Car2318

Personally I think it is great. Its fun, energetic and a crowd puller. The children absolutely love it and its a conversation piece. It even directs you to where you can build sandcastles! Also think the colour and metal works well with the surrounding environment.

Whatever about putting up monuments to remember someone - I think the intentions have been lost in the criticisms. You will never ever keep everyone happy but it was a costly investment to give a well used walkway something to smile about.

I think the only eyesore in our village are those varying shapes and shades of brown dog poo that lines the paths and not this contribution.

And its a bank holiday

cocker5

Car2318 wrote: »

Personally I think it is great. Its fun, energetic and a crowd puller. The children absolutely love it and its a conversation piece. It even directs you to where you can build sandcastles! Also think the colour and metal works well with the surrounding environment.

Whatever about putting up monuments to remember someone - I think the intentions have been lost in the criticisms. You will never ever keep everyone happy but it was a costly investment to give a well used walkway something to smile about.

I think the only eyesore in our village are those varying shapes and shades of brown dog poo that lines the paths and not this contribution.

And its a bank holiday

Agree with you on the dog poo - its a problem in Greystones.

General opinion seems to be very negative...

Personally i think the view, prior to the recent installation was something to smile about, not so much anymore.

Its an eye sore, yes the kids love it... then move it to the play ground... everybody will be happy.

Wicklow Will

DDD6 wrote: »

Message sent to the internationally renowned designer/artist Patrick O'Reilly this evening from an art expert......
"Just to let you know that you now have Greystones, Co. Wicklow in a joyful spin since 'Beach Bear' was erected yesterday. What a wonderful piece of work! The general consensus is that it is a 'she' due to the voluptuous figure and long eyelashes. I think the town is privileged to have such a quality piece of art to enjoy every day, and also feel very grateful to the Hickey family for donating it in memory of Caroline Hickey."

Huh, what a load of tripe! As was once said of a realist (by I think Oscar Wilde - now THERE us an aporopriately placed abd beautiful memorial) so it could be also said of a lot of these "experts" - "someone who knows the (in this case) brilliance of everything and the value of nothing" ... The appropriate place for this heap of junk is the scrap yard - - now where is the number of that transit van I saw crawling by yesterday .......

Wicklow Will

Car2318 wrote: »

Personally I think it is great. Its fun, energetic and a crowd puller. The children absolutely love it and its a conversation piece. It even directs you to where you can build sandcastles! Also think the colour and metal works well with the surrounding environment.

Whatever about putting up monuments to remember someone - I think the intentions have been lost in the criticisms. You will never ever keep everyone happy but it was a costly investment to give a well used walkway something to smile about.

I think the only eyesore in our village are those varying shapes and shades of brown dog poo that lines the paths and not this contribution.

And its a bank holiday

..... "Directs you where to build sandcastles" .... How on earth did we manage without it for all these years!?! ... I think you may have overdosed on the Pollyanna my dear ..... I prescribe a long lie-down in a darkened room and a cold compress !

Car2318

Wicklow Will wrote: »

..... "Directs you where to build sandcastles" .... How on earth did we manage without it for all these years!?! ... I think you may have overdosed on the Pollyanna my dear ..... I prescribe a long lie-down in a darkened room and a cold compress !

Oh don't be such a dramatic bully - give your opinion and keep the personal overtones for time spent alone listening to Morrissey!

LEIN

Keep it civil folks

grouser

Let's lighten up and support some fun. This is a playful addition to the seafront, which is reflects its location very well in my view. I trust the simple, straightforward, and practically unanimous, approval of the children who see it. Inevitably, some people may not like it, but good art need not have universal approval.

Happily, we have adopted much new public art - particularly sculpture - in recent years, especially on the new road network, and this is another example from the noted young Irishman (currently based in France) who also provided the bears outside the Point in Dublin.

So, I vote YES to the beach bear! I bet many of the early doubters would vote similarly in six months time.

cocker5

grouser wrote: »

Let's lighten up and support some fun. This is a playful addition to the seafront, which is reflects its location very well in my view. I trust the simple, straightforward, and practically unanimous, approval of the children who see it. Inevitably, some people may not like it, but good art need not have universal approval.

Happily, we have adopted much new public art - particularly sculpture - in recent years, especially on the new road network, and this is another example from the noted young Irishman (currently based in France) who also provided the bears outside the Point in Dublin.

So, I vote YES to the beach bear! I bet many of the early doubters would vote similarly in six months time.

Yes your right the kids do love it, so like many have suggested on here and on the Greystones guide move it to the playground and then the beach bear would be great!

Where it is it's hideous and doesn't add to the view / scene it detracts from it.

It's too big , obtrusive, and brash looking in its current location... Most people agree with this... I for one won't be 'for the beach bear' in 6 months Infact ill probably hate it more!

Move it to a suitable location and then the kids will be happy, locals will be happy and more importantly we'll get back a stunning view instead of the eye sore!

Wicklow Will

grouser wrote: »

Let's lighten up and support some fun. This is a playful addition to the seafront, which is reflects its location very well in my view. I trust the simple, straightforward, and practically unanimous, approval of the children who see it. Inevitably, some people may not like it, but good art need not have universal approval.

Happily, we have adopted much new public art - particularly sculpture - in recent years, especially on the new road network, and this is another example from the noted young Irishman (currently based in France) who also provided the bears outside the Point in Dublin.

So, I vote YES to the beach bear! I bet many of the early doubters would vote similarly in six months time.

Sorry, I definitely don't agree with you.

Wicklow Will

cocker5 wrote: »

Yes your right the kids do love it, so like many have suggested on here and on the Greystones guide move it to the playground and then the beach bear would be great!

Where it is it's hideous and doesn't add to the view / scene it detracts from it.

It's too big , obtrusive, and brash looking in its current location... Most people agree with this... I for one won't be 'for the beach bear' in 6 months Infact ill probably hate it more!

Move it to a suitable location and then the kids will be happy, locals will be happy and more importantly we'll get back a stunning view instead of the eye sore!

Hear, hear... Well said!

toxytag

Can't believe the negative comments people are posting on hear. I walked by it this morning and kids were loving the new sculpture and getting there photos taken beside it! This is all the family wanted as Caroline was a school teacher and loved to see kids enjoying life. So can people just accept the sculpture and if it's putting smiles on children's faces it's a very welcome addition to Greystones.

Son of Jack

I think it will become iconic and that it will draw families and children to the area; that no trip to Greystones beach will be complete with a visit to see The Bear. Imaginative grown ups will create legends about it for their children ... e.g. 'Rub the Bear's nose and your dreams will come true.' It will become a part of children's childhoods. I think it is a very welcome addition to the area.

Wicklow Will

toxytag wrote: »

Can't believe the negative comments people are posting on hear. I walked by it this morning and kids were loving the new sculpture and getting there photos taken beside it! This is all the family wanted as Caroline was a school teacher and loved to see kids enjoying life. So can people just accept the sculpture and if it's putting smiles on children's faces it's a very welcome addition to Greystones.

I think you've overlooked the fact that those opposed to the sculpture have said that this is not a reflection in the lady who died. It is the siting of this work that has irked us. Those opposed to it would be delighted if it was placed in the children's playground where they are dire to enjoy it. It doesn't relate to it's current site in any shape, make not form and spoils the vista.

Wicklow Will

Son of Jack wrote: »

I think it will become iconic and that it will draw families and children to the area; that no trip to Greystones beach will be complete with a visit to see The Bear. Imaginative grown ups will create legends about it for their children ... e.g. 'Rub the Bear's nose and your dreams will come true.' It will become a part of children's childhoods. I think it is a very welcome addition to the area.

Sure, just move it somewhere more appropriate! Suggestions have been made. It's an eyesore where it is.

Charlie-Bravo

I wonder about any public consultation on this. The first I knew about it was this thread. What is the process for all these 'memorial structures' (and I include the benches in this) and seeing what the public thinks of such an idea.

I think it is an odd sculpture, with no meaning. When I saw it in the flesh today I didn't even see a plaque to say what it is, or its purpose. At least the benches have a statement of sort. And on a side note, while walking the strip today I spotted a couple sitting on one of the benches. It was a perfect photo op from behind, but I didn't feel the memorial text would capture the essence of the photo - there'll be too much focus on the bench rather than the couple.

pixbyjohn

Beach Bear, Greystones by pixbyjohn, on Flickr
Astro, there will be a plaque beside it shortly

cocker5

pixbyjohn wrote: »

Beach Bear, Greystones by pixbyjohn, on Flickr
Astro, there will be a plaque beside it shortly

No let's leave it where it is obscuring the natural beauty of the seafront of Greystones.... Cause it adds to the beauty... NOT!

Even that photo posted makes my blood boil!
A beautiful photo spoilt by an ugly rapid rat making its way to the beach!!

What a pity... Put it somewhere appropiate (playground) or get rid if it forever!!

Mitch Connor

cocker5 wrote: »

No let's leave it where it is obscuring the natural beauty of the seafront of Greystones.... Cause it adds to the beauty... NOT!

Even that photo posted makes my blood boil!
A beautiful photo spoilt by an ugly rapid rat making its way to the beach!!

What a pity... Put it somewhere appropiate (playground) or get rid if it forever!!

Its not like you have to stand with it in your way of the view, nor is it in the way of the nicest spot to enjoy the view from. One location on a long enough stretch, and not in front of the seats on he way that offer the nicest views.

Really think people are getting their knickers in a twist over its placing for no reason.

My issue with the statue is that it is fugly.

Wicklow Will

pixbyjohn wrote: »

Beach Bear, Greystones by pixbyjohn, on Flickr
Astro, there will be a plaque beside it shortly

A plaque will do nothing to remedy the eyesore it is nor compensate for how it spoils the view.

Wicklow Will

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Its not like you have to stand with it in your way of the view, nor is it in the way of the nicest spot to enjoy the view from. One location on a long enough stretch, and not in front of the seats on he way that offer the nicest views.

Really think people are getting their knickers in a twist over its placing for no reason.

My issue with the statue is that it is fugly.

I don't agree with a lot of what you said but I couldn't agree more with your opinion of the sculpture itself!

Jimjay

cocker5 wrote: »

A beautiful photo spoilt by an ugly rapid rat making its way to the beach!!

If it wasnt in the photo you would see a little bit more sea and a bit more cloud! Dont see how it spoils the view, i could stand next to it and see some more sea.

I agree that it looks more like a rat than a bear though.