THE GARDEN BEAR PHOTOGRAPHED IN SEPTEMBER 2021
THE GARDENER BEAR AT ST STEPHEN'S GREEN [BY PATRICK O'REILLY]
Art on Every Corner: Dublin’s Iconic Bear Trail
In the autumn of 2021, the streets of Dublin city centre were transformed into an open-air gallery, inviting locals and visitors alike to rediscover the magic of the capital through the eyes of one of Ireland’s most acclaimed artists, Patrick O’Reilly.
The initiative, featuring 12 life-size sculptures, was more than just an exhibition; it was a symbol of resilience and a welcome-back gift to a city emerging from the quietude of lockdown.
Bringing the Gallery to the Streets
For months, Dubliners were denied the simple pleasure of wandering through art galleries. Recognising this, Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Alison Gilliland, partnered with Gormleys Fine Art and the Office of City Recovery to bring world-class sculpture directly to the pavement.
"We are delighted to work with Patrick O’Reilly and Gormleys Fine Art to bring art on to the streets for public enjoyment," the Lord Mayor shared. "I have no doubt Dubliners will enjoy this art as they move around our city."
The Route: A Tale of Two Sides?
The trail offered a scenic route through some of Dublin’s most historic and beloved locations. Starting at Gormleys Fine Art on South Frederick Street, the trail wound its way through:
Merrion Square Park
The Merrion Hotel
St Stephen’s Green
Grafton Street
Capel Street
However, the trail was not without its critics. While the sculptures were widely celebrated, many locals noted that the initiative felt distinctly "Southside centric." With eleven of the twelve works situated south of the Liffey, the Northside was represented solely by the Jockey Bear on Capel Street. While a welcome addition to the area, the lopsided distribution sparked a conversation about the need for more balanced cultural investment across the entire city.
Art Born of the Pandemic
Criticism of the geography aside, the emotional weight of the work remained undeniable. Patrick O’Reilly is internationally celebrated for his whimsical Bear sculptures, but this trail also introduced newer works deeply influenced by the global health crisis.
James Gormley of Gormleys Fine Art highlighted two particular pieces: the red ‘Broken Heart’ and the gold ‘Heart in Hand’. These sculptures served as poignant markers of the time, evolving into symbols of our collective recovery and the enduring spirit of the Irish people.
By moving art out of the gallery and into the heart of the capital, the project ensured that culture remained accessible to the public, marking a vibrant—if geographically debated—new chapter for Dublin’s city centre.
Art on Every Corner: Dublin’s Iconic Bear Trail
In the autumn of 2021, the streets of Dublin city centre were transformed into an open-air gallery, inviting locals and visitors alike to rediscover the magic of the capital through the eyes of one of Ireland’s most acclaimed artists, Patrick O’Reilly.
The initiative, featuring 12 life-size sculptures, was more than just an exhibition; it was a symbol of resilience and a welcome-back gift to a city emerging from the quietude of lockdown.
Bringing the Gallery to the Streets
For months, Dubliners were denied the simple pleasure of wandering through art galleries. Recognising this, Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Alison Gilliland, partnered with Gormleys Fine Art and the Office of City Recovery to bring world-class sculpture directly to the pavement.
"We are delighted to work with Patrick O’Reilly and Gormleys Fine Art to bring art on to the streets for public enjoyment," the Lord Mayor shared. "I have no doubt Dubliners will enjoy this art as they move around our city."
The Route: A Tale of Two Sides?
The trail offered a scenic route through some of Dublin’s most historic and beloved locations. Starting at Gormleys Fine Art on South Frederick Street, the trail wound its way through:
Merrion Square Park
The Merrion Hotel
St Stephen’s Green
Grafton Street
Capel Street
However, the trail was not without its critics. While the sculptures were widely celebrated, many locals noted that the initiative felt distinctly "Southside centric." With eleven of the twelve works situated south of the Liffey, the Northside was represented solely by the Jockey Bear on Capel Street. While a welcome addition to the area, the lopsided distribution sparked a conversation about the need for more balanced cultural investment across the entire city.
Art Born of the Pandemic
Criticism of the geography aside, the emotional weight of the work remained undeniable. Patrick O’Reilly is internationally celebrated for his whimsical Bear sculptures, but this trail also introduced newer works deeply influenced by the global health crisis.
James Gormley of Gormleys Fine Art highlighted two particular pieces: the red ‘Broken Heart’ and the gold ‘Heart in Hand’. These sculptures served as poignant markers of the time, evolving into symbols of our collective recovery and the enduring spirit of the Irish people.
By moving art out of the gallery and into the heart of the capital, the project ensured that culture remained accessible to the public, marking a vibrant—if geographically debated—new chapter for Dublin’s city centre.
THE GARDEN BEAR