Celebrating the Legacy of Séamus Murphy: Ten Iconic Sculptures

Séamus Murphy, one of Ireland’s most revered artists, passed away on October 2, 1975, at the age of 68. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of his death, commemorated by Cork City Library, which has chosen his memoir, Stone Mad, as its One City One Book selection for 2025. Murphy’s artistic journey began in Mallow, County Cork, where he was born to James and Margaret Murphy. He was one of four siblings, including a twin brother, John, along with Michael and Bartholomew.

The Murphy family relocated to Cork city, where they settled on Ballyhooley Road. At St Patrick’s School, he was influenced by the writer Daniel Corkery, who motivated him to attend the Crawford School of Art. Following his education, Murphy spent seven years as an apprentice stone-cutter in John Aloysius O’Connell’s yard in Blackpool, a period he fondly recounted in his memoir. Additionally, he enjoyed a year in Paris from 1932 to 1933, studying under notable artists like Andrew O’Connor and Marcel Grimond.

Murphy married Maigread Higgins in 1944, the daughter of the sculptor Joseph Higgins. They raised three children—Beibhinn, Orla, and Colm—while Murphy worked from a studio on Watercourse Road, affectionately known as “the Skullery.” His prolific career included a wide range of works, from modest headstones to monumental sculptures. Below are ten of his most significant creations.

Iconic Works of Séamus Murphy

The Onion Seller, located in Bishop Lucey Park and Cornmarket Street, Cork, showcases Murphy’s ability to capture the essence of everyday life. The original plaster version, created in 1937 and modeled after a local onion seller named Mary Anne, was later cast in bronze. The Bishop Lucey Park version was presented to the city by Sunbeam Wolsey in 1985, while the Cornmarket Street version was donated by local McDonald’s franchisee Ray Doherty in 1995.

Virgin of the Twilight, exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1943, is another remarkable piece. Carved from Kilkenny limestone and standing over 6 feet tall, this statue was initially kept in Murphy’s studio for two decades until friends raised funds for its purchase, with the condition that it would not be placed in a church. It now resides in Fitzgerald’s Park, alongside other works such as the busts of Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera.

Murphy’s statue of St Finbarr was commissioned in 1934 to replace a statue of Queen Victoria at the Aula Maxima of University College Cork (UCC). Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 1.5 tons, this statue depicts St Finbarr as a bearded monk. Upon its completion, it was noted as the first religious statue accepted by any of the colleges within the National University of Ireland.

In a notable turn of events, Murphy’s relationship with the Church became strained after a negative reception from Archbishop John Charles McQuaid following a bust that did not meet the Archbishop’s standards. Despite this setback, he was commissioned to create a life-sized statue of St Gobnait in Ballyvourney, which features the saint perched on a beehive, unveiled in 1951. This statue remains one of Murphy’s personal favorites.

Murphy’s contributions to the Church of the Annunciation in Blackpool include the design of altars, baptismal fonts, and statues, commissioned by local textile manufacturer William Dwyer. The church was completed in 1945 and affectionately dubbed “Dwyer’s fire escape (from hell)” by locals.

Another significant work is the Gaol Cross Memorial at UCC, which commemorates 18 men who lost their lives during the War of Independence. Unveiled on July 11, 1948, by Éamon de Valera, the relief plaque lists the names of those buried at Cork Gaol, highlighting Murphy’s skill as a letterer.

Murphy’s artistry extended beyond Ireland, with his statues of St Brigid and the Twelve Apostles installed at St Brigid’s Church in San Francisco in 1948. The statues were commissioned by Monsignor James P. Cantwell and are said to have been modeled after figures from the Easter Rising, adding a historical layer to their significance.

One of Murphy’s lesser-known yet charming contributions is the dog trough located at 124 Patrick Street, Cork. Commissioned by Knolly Stokes in the 1950s for local dogs, it features the word “Madraí,” meaning dogs in Irish. Although the trough was stolen in 2019, it was recovered shortly thereafter.

Finally, Murphy created bronze busts of the first five presidents of Ireland, including Éamon de Valera, which are displayed at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin. De Valera personally sat for Murphy during the process, highlighting the close connection between the artist and the nation’s leadership.

Murphy’s legacy also includes numerous headstones, treating them with the same reverence as his larger commissions. His notable headstones include those for poet Seán Ó Riordáin and composer Seán Ó Riada, among others. His craftsmanship continues to resonate, as noted by sculptor Ken Thompson, who remarked upon their “characteristic simplicity” and fine proportions.

As Cork commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of Séamus Murphy’s passing, the enduring impact of his work remains evident throughout the city. His sculptures not only enrich the public landscape but also tell the stories of the people and history of Ireland.