The William Orpen Memorial Sculpture Project

The Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce, spearheaded by local photographer Dominic Lee has now completed the project to erect a bronze sculpture of Stillorgan born artist Sir William Orpen.

This fantastic initiative will significantly contribute to the 2018 rejuvenation plans for Stillorgan. The main objective of this project will not only attract visitors from home and abroad, but will essentially promote Stillorgan as a commercial and tourist hub in County Dublin.

The privately funded 11 foot tall bronze sculpture created by Rowan Gillespie was unveiled in 2018 by Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones at The Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, County Dublin.

Thank you to all those who contributed towards the sculpture.

  • The Smurfit Foundation.
  • Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce.
  • Priory Studios.
  • Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre.
  • Frank Murphy (FM Law).
  • The Murphy Family (from Churchtown in Cork).
  • Baumann’s Hardware.
  • Mount Merrion Residence Association.
  • Film Director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy).
  • Richard Olivier (William Orpen’s grandson).
  • Whyte’s Art Auctioneers.
  • James & Barbara O’Dwyer.
  • Peter Gleeson.
  • The Brick Family (Mount Merrion).
  • Karen D’Alton (2020.ie).
  • Neal & Hugh Curran.
  • Inna Tailoring.
  • Brian O’Connor.
  • Ken Howard R.A.
  • Oatlands College Class of ‘74.
  • William Orpen’s Descendants.

The Chamber of Commerce wish to thank all the sponsors.

    Meet the Team behind the Project

    Dominic Lee
    Dominic LeeProject Manager
    Photographer at Priory Studios.
    Project Manager of The William Orpen Sculpture Project and Committee member of the Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time Dominic researches and writes a blog about William Orpen. He also gives an A/V presentation “The Life & Times of William Orpen” to schools, clubs and historical societies.
    Ken Howard R.A.
    Ken Howard R.A.Artist
    Artist Ken Howard R.A. is the Patron of The William Orpen Sculpture Project and is the current owner of Sir William Orpen’s London home and studio.
    Rowan Gillespie
    Rowan GillespieSculptor
    Rowan created the Sir William Orpen Sculpture. He has produced an array of famous Sculptures; including WB Yeats, Titanica and The Famine Memorial.
    Karen D'Alton
    Karen D'AltonFundraiser
    Karen has a keen interest in Social History and genealogy and is one of our Fundraisers.
    Frank Murphy
    Frank MurphyChairperson Stillorgan Chamber
    Frank is a Solicitor and President of The Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce. Frank launched the William Orpen Exhibition in Stillorgan Village in 2013.