Context Background:
The new bell tower, garden of remembrance and Per Cent for Art scheme commission for the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Rowlagh, are the result of a long collaborative process between South Dublin County Council, the Parish of Rowlagh, the Diocesan Sacred Art and Architecture Commission, and Murray O'Laoire Architects.
In 2000, the Council was developing housing schemes in the area surrounding the Rowlagh Church, Clondalkin. As part of this development, the Council, in an agreement with Rowlagh parish, undertook a project to redevelop the Church grounds and to erect a new freestanding bell tower. This agreement involved an arrangement in relation to the transfer of land.
The proposed works included a bell tower, which would house a beautiful one hundred year old bronze bell donated to Rowlagh Parish by the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Carna, Connemara, it was also proposed to design a small garden of remembrance dedicated to the memory of local young people who had lost their lives to drugs.
In December 2000, Murray O'Laoire Architects were contracted by the Council to collaborate with a commissioned artist on the design of the bell tower and garden. In February 2001, following a limited competition selection process, an artist was awarded the commission to collaborate with Murray O'Laoire and to contribute an artwork feature to the bell tower.
Unfortunately, there was an unforeseen and long term delay in proceeding with the project, and the collaboration between Murray O'Laoire and the artist did not develop. Ultimately, it was not possible to go ahead with construction of the bell tower and garden until June 2004, and by this time the commissioned artist did not wish to be involved and, as no art work had been produced, decided to withdraw from the project entirely.
Subsequently, the Council’s arts office agreed with then parish priest, Fr. Declan Moriarty, that another artist should be commissioned through the DoEHLG’s
Per Cent for Art
scheme to create an art work for the now built bell tower.In October 2005, following a limited competition selection process, artist Cecilia Moore was awarded the commission by a selection panel comprising of representatives of the Council, Murray O'Laoire architects, Rowlagh Parish, the Diocesan Sacred Art and Architecture Commission, and professional artists.
Description:
The resulting art work takes the form of two colourful mosaic panels located either side of the bell tower at its base. The panels are made up of blue, green and purple glass tiles and are inset with bronze. The bronze inset incorporates bronze tiles which were designed by students of local schools, Collinstown Park Community College and St. Kevin’s Community College, through artist-led workshops.
It was agreed with current parish priest of Rowlagh, Fr. John Dunphy, to officially launch the bell tower, garden and art work commission at 12 noon, Sunday 24th September 2006.Archbishop Diarmuid Martin performed a blessing and Deputy Mayor Alex White perform the launch.
Artist Biography:
Cecilia Moore graduated in silversmithing from Birmingham Polytechnic. She went on to study sculpture and printmaking. She lives and works in Ballymun in Dublin as a full time artist.
She has completed several public art commissions, and has exhibited in numerous group, selected and solo shows. Recent shows include; Seeing Things 2 person Show axis, Dublin (2009), Eigse Open, Carlow (2009), Open Dunamaise, Co. Laois (2009), Nightlight Bombhouse, Dublin (2008), 4 Renaissance Women Group Show, axis, Dublin (2008), Pup Art axis, Dublin (2008), Iontas, Sligo (2007), Hotel Ballymun, Installation Room, Dublin (2007),
Commissioner Type:
Other
Commissioner:
Parish of Rowlagh
Programme:
None
PerCent for Art:
yes
Commissioning Process:
Open Competition
Funding:
Dept. of Environment Heritage and Local Government
Budget Range:
Unknown
Project Start Date:
01/10/2005
Project End Date:
24/09/2006