Renowned artist Vincent Browne, who created some of Ireland’s best-known sculptures, has died aged 78.
The Arts Council confirmed Browne’s death on Monday, saying the sculptor died at his home in Wicklow on August 5th.
Browne created several well-known sculptures, including Mr Screen – a caricature statue of a cinema usher which now stands outside the Savoy on O’Connell Street in Dublin city. The statue previously stood outside the Screen cinema on Hawkins Street in the capital for many years, before that building was demolished in 2018.
Browne also produced the Anti-War Memorial in Limerick, the Palm Tree in Dublin’s Temple Bar and the Tree of Life outside Blanchardstown Civic Offices.
Temple Bar’s Palm Tree sculpture by Vincent Browne. Photograph: Spleodrach/Wikipedia
Born in Dublin in 1947, Browne studied at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin and the Jan Van Eyck Academy in the Netherlands.
“Over the course of his career, he became known as one of the most prolific sculptors in Ireland, creating many pieces of iconic public art across the country,” a statement from the Arts Council said.
In 1992 Browne became a member of Aosdána, an association that honours artists whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the creative arts in Ireland.
“On behalf of the Arts Council, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Vincent Browne’s family, friends, members of Aosdána, and all those who were inspired by his work,” said Arts Council chair Maura McGrath.
“Many of his beloved artworks have shaped and informed the environments in which they inhabit; bringing life and character to public spaces across the country. His presence and influence on Irish art will be sorely missed.”
Vincent Browne, who has died aged 78. Photograph: Fingal Arts
Browne represented Ireland in the International Small Sculpture Show in Budapest in 1987. He won the Oireachtas Gold Medal for sculpture in 1974, 1985 and 1986; the Waterford Glass Prize in 1992; and the Concrete Society of Ireland Sculpture Award in 1993.
He was also the recipient of several grants and awards from the Arts Council and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Browne held solo exhibitions at the Castletymon Library (1990) and Blanchardstown Library (1991), and participated in the Sculpture in Context group show at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin in 2002.
Browne is survived by his four children, six grandchildren, siblings and extended family. His death notice said he will be “greatly missed” by his family and friends.