Youghal’s premiere art centre, Gallery 126, has acquired works from one of the world’s most prominent sculptors. A series of bronze figures by Diarmuid Byron O’Connor have been added to the gallery’s display. Mr O’Connor is best known for his Peter Pan and Tinkerbell adornments in the entrance garden at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. By Christy Parker/Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

The hand-shaped bronze figures retail for €1500 and are available also in bronze resin for €750. Measuring under 15cm and bearing names from Greek mythology, they are inspired by the artist’s ongoing fascination with the human figure. “Each piece has its own unique drama they draw upon our common understanding and experience of our own bodies,” he says. Mr. O’Connor’s works originate as drawings, the collective consciousness of which inspires his sculptors. “I draw from life but sculpt from memory,” he explains.
The London-born artist of Irish descent, happened on Gallery216 on the North Main Street during a visit to Youghal. Impressed by the works in situ, he introduced himself to proprietor Eamonn O’Brien, himself a former resident of London. A firm friendship quickly formed. By bizarre coincidence, the artist was also seeking two restaurant owners concerning research he was conducting for a National Graphic food show. They turned out to be Eamonn’s sisters, Marog and Kay, who run the Farmgate restaurants in Midleton and Cork!

Mr. O’Connor, who has also co-presented two BBC TV scientific engineering series’ ”The Crafty Tricks of War’ and ‘Geronimo,’ with Dick Strawbridge, has recently become a regular visitor to Cork, since his ex-wife Annabelle came to live with their three children in Araglin, near Fermoy.

Often described as a ‘British fantasy artist’ the 46 year-old sculptor rose to fame after his 4ft ‘Peter Pan’ was unveiled near the entrance to the Great Ormond in 2000. In 2005, the artist added Tinkerbell, Britain smallest public sculptor at 18cm, to Peter Pan. Limited editions of the renewed work helped raise funds for the cash-troubled hospital.
The sculptures captured the hearts of all who attend the hospital. Doctors and nurses encourage parents to sit near the sculptors with their children – many of whom are terminally ill, so that they might relate to NeverNever Land, a place of magic timelessness and where the unknown holds no fear.
See www.gallery126.com   Tele: (024 92568