Ireland’s rich public art scene has found a novel way to connect with broader audiences. Some of the most well-known public sculptures in Ireland have been immortalised in a new stamp collection available via An Post.
Created by design agency Unthink, each booklet includes four N-rate (national) stamps featuring four works by celebrated Irish artists; each work has become integral to the cultural landscape of Ireland.
The collection features four remarkable sculptures:
- Perpetual Motion by Remco de Fouw and Rachel Joynt (Naas, Kildare)
The creation of sculptor Remco de Fouw and artist Rachel Joynt, Perpetual Motion is a nine-metre globe with a textured, tarmac-like surface emblazoned with white and yellow road markings. It was commissioned by Kildare County Council in 2003 under the Per Cent for Arts Scheme. - Polestar by Locky Morris (Letterkenny, Donegal)
A 12-metre wooden sculpture towering over Letterkenny’s Port Bridge Roundabout, Polestar celebrates the town’s history as an economic gateway. Created by Derry-born artist Locky Morris, it was commissioned in 2006 by Donegal County Council under the Per Cent for Arts Scheme. - Riders and Horses by Michael Quane (Mallow, Cork)
A striking stone sculpture by Michael Quane, Riders and Horses can be seen on the N20 Cork to Mallow Road. Made from a hand-carved, 25-tonne limestone block, it depicts two human figures circling each other on horseback. It was commissioned in 1995 by Cork County Council through the Per Cent for Arts Scheme. - Tallaght X by Eileen MacDonagh (Tallaght, Dublin)
A 10-metre sculpture by Eileen MacDonagh, Tallaght X is composed of four rectangular stainless steel trunks that reflect the surrounding buildings. It was privately commissioned as part of a major development in West Dublin’s Tallaght in the early 2000s.
These sculptures, each unique in style and meaning, are symbols of community and identity and the important role that public art plays in enriching shared spaces.
Celebrating Ireland’s public art scene
Speaking at the launch of the new stamp series in Tallaght’s Library Square in August 2024, Arts Council Director of Combined Arts Sinéad O’Reilly spoke of how public art enhances our connection to each other and our surroundings.
“Public art responds to and adds value to how we connect as people to each other and to our places and public spaces. Some works are iconic and prominent landmarks, others more discreet, meaningful interventions that also include new music, books, films and performances created by artists and communities together. It is wonderful that An Post have chosen to celebrate a number of iconic public art works through this stamp collection.”
Eileen MacDonagh, creator of Tallaght X, said: “Having my sculpture on a stamp for me is a huge acknowledgement of my work over nearly 40 years dedicated to making sculpture.”he stamps are expected to be a big hit with collectors and art lovers across the country.
Ireland’s Per Cent for Arts Scheme
Ireland’s public art scene owes much to the Per Cent for Arts Scheme, a government initiative that allocates one percent of public construction budgets to art commissions.
Since it was established in 1978 and extended to all government departments in 1997, the scheme has commissioned countless sculptures, installations and artwork now gracing public places in towns, cities and rural areas. Local authorities have also played a major role in commissioning artwork that reflects the diversity of local communities in Ireland.
The new An Post booklet and specially designed First Day Cover (FDC) envelope are available at selected post offices nationwide and from the An Post online shop.