Peter Grant (sculptor) facts for kids
Peter Grant (born 1915, died 2003) was a famous Irish sculptor. He was born in a place called Pomeroy, County Tyrone. In 1922, when he was seven years old, his family moved to Dublin.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Peter Grant started studying art in 1933. He went to the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art. This school is now known as the National College of Art.
Learning to Sculpt
While he was studying, Peter Grant was very good at making models. He won special prize medals for his sculpting in 1935 and 1936. He also earned a scholarship to help him pay for his studies from 1935 to 1938.
His art was inspired by art from the Middle East. You can see this influence in one of his sculptures called Moses the Lawgiver. This artwork won a special art scholarship at the RDS in 1937.
Important Sculptures and Art
Peter Grant created many important sculptures during his life. His work can be seen in different places.
Famous Works Explained
One of his big projects was for the 1939 New York World's Fair. He was asked to create a sculpture called 'Warrior of Ancient Ireland'. This showed an important figure from Ireland's past.
Another famous work is a sculpture of Joseph Mary Plunkett. Plunkett was one of the leaders who signed the declaration during the 1916 Easter Rising. This was a very important event in Irish history. Peter Grant's sculpture of Plunkett is now displayed in Dáil Éireann. This is the main meeting place for the Irish Parliament.
Later Life and Legacy
Peter Grant helped start the Institute of Sculptors of Ireland. He was also its first chairman. This group helps sculptors in Ireland.
He got married to Una Mac Eoin in 1960. Peter Grant retired from teaching at the National College of Art and Design in 1980. But he never stopped working on his art. He continued to sculpt in his studio in Clontarf. Peter Grant passed away on 12 February 2003.
His life and art have been shared in a book called 'Peter Grant: a Dublin sculptor' by John Turpin. There was also a documentary film made about him called "The Sculptor Peter Grant."
