James Power (sculptor) facts for kids

James Joseph Power (born May 4, 1918, in Phibsborough, Dublin – died April 13, 2009, in Dublin) was a talented Irish sculptor. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Albert Power, and his sister, May Power, who were also sculptors.

The Power family was well-known for their art. They all worked together in their busy sculpture workshop. This workshop was located on Berkeley Road in Phibsborough, Dublin. James Power is especially remembered for creating the 1916 memorial. This important sculpture was finished in 1956 and stands on Sarsfield Bridge in Limerick. Like his father, James was sometimes asked to make "death masks." These are casts of a person's face taken after they have passed away. He made one for the famous writer Brendan Behan in 1964.

Becoming a Sculptor

James Power studied art at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. He learned how to sculpt from a teacher named Oliver Sheppard. He also studied painting with Sean Keating.

Famous Sculptures

James Power created many sculptures of important people. These included:

• Erskine Childers, who was an Irish president.
• John F. Kennedy, an American president.
• Mairtin O'Cadhain, a writer who wrote in the Irish language.
• Matt Talbot, a well-known Irish religious figure.
• Father Eugene O'Growney.
• Peadar Kearney, who composed Ireland's national anthem.

His artwork was shown in important art exhibitions. He displayed his sculptures at the Royal Hibernian Academy Annual Exhibition in 1941 and 1942. He also often showed his work at the Oireachtas na Gaeilge, which is a festival celebrating Irish language and culture.

In 1956, James finished the 1916 memorial in Limerick. This monument honored the 1916 Rising, an important event in Irish history. His father, Albert, had first designed the memorial back in 1936.

Images for kids

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  Statue of Matt Talbot
  on Talbot Memorial Bridge in Dublin

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  Monument to the 1916 Rising
  on Sarsfield Bridge in Limerick

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  Memorial to Erskine Childers (1905-1974)
  in St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin