Many principles came into force to guide the shaping of UL’s outdoor sculpture collection, not least the overarching vision of Ed Walsh. Judith Hill gives an insight into its conception
Possessing a display of outdoor sculpture is almost a badge of maturity for a modern university campus. But in the case of the University of Limerick the presence of sculpture is derived from the distinctive philosophy that has underpinned campus development since the early days. This did not entail a plan with provision for sculpture. Public funding would never have stretched to that in the mid-1970s. However, the director, Ed Walsh and his team were alert to any financial opportunities for commissioning sculpture, and they appreciated its possibilities – where it might be placed, how it might function. After nearly thirty-five years, eleven well-positioned pieces speak out in different voices about what it is to be human, reminding us that education aspires to understanding, as well as to the gaining of qualifications.
The new Lexicon is a worthy member of Dublin’s distinguished group of public libraires, writes James Howley in his appraisal of the controversial new building.
It is the implication of something beyond a simple landscape that makes Martin Gale’s art so compelling, writes Alison FitzGerald as his exhibition continues at Taylor Galleries, Dublin