Survey Data
Reg No
50100269
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Artistic, Technical
Original Use
Statue
In Use As
Statue
Date
1915 - 1940
Coordinates
316068, 233371
Date Recorded
28/05/2016
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding bronze bust of Thomas Kettle, dated 1919 and erected c. 1937. Bronze sculpted bust, inscribed with creator's mark to rear 'Albert G. Power R.H.A. 1919', mounted on minor pedestal over square-plan limestone plinth and stepped base, inscribed 'Thomas M. Kettle 1880-1916 - Born in County Dublin 9th February 1880 - Killed At Guinchy 9th September 1916 - Poet Essayist Patriot' and 'Died not for Flag, nor King, nor Emperor - But for a dream born in a herdman's shed - And for the secret Scripture of the poor', respectively. Facing west, located to east side of central parterre of Saint Stephen's Green on semi-circular lawn with planting to east, ornamental pagoda to south and fountain to west.
Appraisal
A public memorial dedicated to poet, nationalist and politician Thomas Kettle (1880-1916), who was killed at the Battle of the Somme during the First World War. The base of the plinth quotes from his wartime sonnet 'To My Daughter Betty, the Gift of God'. Sculpted in 1919 by Albert G. Power, one of the great practitioners of Irish sculpture in the academic realist style, the memorial was not erected until 1937. This bust is one of a number of commemorative sculptures sited within St. Stephen's Green, all of which serve to add to the interest of the park.