HEADQUARTERED in Limerick, Kirby Group Engineering has unveiled a new sculpture at the Hunt Museum, part of its Museum in a Garden project.
The company, founded in Thomondgate in 1964, commissioned and donated the piece, which was revealed to the public on Friday June 23.
The steel piece by Dublin artist Paul Harrison takes the form of a dodecahedron and stands at over 4.25 metres. It is an interpretation of the Dodecahedron from the Hunt Museum Collection, believed to date to the later Roman Empire.
Paul’s sculpture features a shaft running through the centre that lights up at night, illuminating the museum garden overlooking the River Shannon.
Discussing its creation, Paul Harrison said: “I really wanted to look at the piece as an artistic response to the original shape and the energy that it has.”
“I was interested in the spheres on the edges of the dodecahedron and how the exterior relates to the interior. I love the sense of curiosity and wonder that the piece evokes, especially as no one is entirely sure what it was used for in ancient times. I wanted something that would encourage people to take an interest in the museum, to come over and see what might be inside the building.”
The sculpture was unveiled at an official ceremony attended by newly-elected Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District of Limerick, Councillor Azad Talukder, as well as the sculpture’s creator Paul Harrison, representatives from the Hunt Museum, members of the Kirby family, senior Kirby employees, representatives from University of Limerick and TUS Limerick, and members of the arts community locally.
Ruairí Ryan, Operations Director at Kirby, said: “At Kirby we have a long tradition of community involvement and, in this regard, our values are very much aligned with those of the Hunt Museum, which offers a fantastic amenity for adults and children alike.”
“Kirby was founded in Limerick in 1964 and we’ve always felt a deep connection to its people, so when the opportunity came up to commission a work of art and donate it to the Museum, we didn’t hesitate.
“The Hunt Museum is right in the middle of the city, facing Kirby House across the water on Clancy Strand, and it really stands out. I’d like to pay special tribute to Elizabeth Kirby, who approached Paul to create the piece as she thought his logical and measured approach would suit Kirby and lead to a good partnership.”
