Client: Strabane District Council

Overview

This public artwork celebrates the life and work of the Irish writer and satirist Brian O’Nolan aka Myles na gCopaleen in his hometown Strabane. Dressed in his iconic coat and Fedora hat, he is leaning against three first editions of his most famous books The 11ft high work including the over-lifesize figure is fabricated in a process combining cast and repoussé bronze with innovative CNC image perforation and LED lighting. 2mm gilding metal, bronze, over an internal stainless steel frame.

Goals

The work is located on the junction of Railway Street and Abercorn Square in front of the library and Alley Theatre building. An over-lifesize sculpture of Brian O’Nolan in cast and repoussé bronze leaning against three 11ft high first editions of his most famous books, fabricated in 2mm sheet bronze. The granite base and perforated image process used in the work is a visual reference to the architectural features of the library’s base and its page-like windowblinds. The partial fabrication of the work in sheet metal also responds to their construction. The perforated book covers are lit at night with LED lighting, creating spectacular effects.

Process

The books were fabricated using sheet brass which was punched with halftone text and an image by Sean O’Sullivan RHA of the first edition of An Béal Bocht, using the innovative Picture-Perf© process by Graepel Metal Perforators and Weavers Ltd., Kinsale: a combination of digitalised halftone images and CNC punching. The work is illuminated internally with low energy LED lighting.

Additional Information

Project website: www.mylesaftermyles.info. Materials and processes in combination with long-term durability were chosen to limit the environmental impact and carbon footprint of the sculpture, combining environmental and cultural sustainability.