A sculpture entitled Mother and Child by Irish artist Paddy Campbell has been put on permanent display at the Museo degli Innocesti in Florence. The sculptor is the first Irish contemporary artist to have his work acquired by the museum.
The sculpture, which Campbell began 17 years ago depicts a mother breastfeeding her baby.
A book on its journey from Dublin to Florence was launched in Dublin last night and will be sold in aid of UNICEF. The institute in Florence also houses UNICEF's research centre for child wellbeing which carries out work into infant care and the importance of breastfeeding.
To celebrate the acquisition, a two week exhibition of Paddy Campbell's work is being held at Bewleys Cafe on Grafton Street in Dublin and the book will be on sale.
The original work was posed for by Emily, a friend of Paddy Campbell's and her daughter Coco. It was cast in Campbell's studio in Fairview in 2005 in various materials and a Carrara marble version is now on display in Florence.
"It is a tremendous honour to be able to document this journey," the artist said 'and so fitting that the sculpture of Emily and Coco should find a home in the Innocenti museum, which is unique in exhibiting works of art relating to children,"
Former Munster and Ireland rugby star and UNICEF ambassador, Donncha O’Callaghan, unveiled Mother and Child – A Secret Hidden In Stone in Bewley’s Café, Grafton Street, along with a two week-long exhibition of Paddy’s works.
The event had special significance for O’Callaghan as he features in the artist’s famous sculpture, The Day That Changed Ireland, which can be seen at Shannon Airport.
"When I think of UNICEF, there isn’t a more iconic image than a mother looking after her child and we are grateful to Paddy for putting the organisation’s work to the fore with his art," he said.
"He has the ability to capture a moment in time perfectly in a sculpture, whether it is a mother nourishing her new born or a rugby line-out in full flight."
Emily recently viewed the sculpture with her now 17-year-old daughter in Florence.
"Coco and I are immensely proud of this collaboration. Paddy captured our love and eternal bond that words cannot convey," she said.
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Listen: From Bewley's to Florence: Paddy Campbell talks to Ray D'Arcy
UNICEF Ireland Executive Director, Peter Power, said that the charity was extremely grateful for Paddy’s generous support for its work in helping children at risk of famine around the world.
"It is fitting that Paddy’s touching depiction of Mother and Child will find its home in the same institution in Florence as UNICEF’s global research teams," he said.
"The support generated by his work, and this book, will help to further UNICEF’s mission to safeguard the rights of every child."
The event had special significance for O'Callaghan as he features in the artist’s famous sculpture, The Day That Changed Ireland, which can be seen at Shannon Airport.
"When I think of UNICEF, there isn’t a more iconic image than a mother looking after her child and we are grateful to Paddy for putting the organisation’s work to the fore with his art," he said.
"He has the ability to capture a moment in time perfectly in a sculpture, whether it is a mother nourishing her new born or a rugby line-out in full flight."
Emily recently viewed the sculpture with her now 17-year-old daughter in Florence.
"Coco and I are immensely proud of this collaboration. Paddy captured our love and eternal bond that words cannot convey," she said.
UNICEF Ireland Executive Director, Peter Power, said that the charity was extremely grateful for Paddy’s generous support for its work in helping children at risk of famine around the world.
"It is fitting that Paddy’s touching depiction of Mother and Child will find its home in the same institution in Florence as UNICEF’s global research teams," he said.
"The support generated by his work, and this book, will help to further UNICEF’s mission to safeguard the rights of every child."
Mother and Child – A Secret Hidden In Stone by Paddy Campbell is available at Bewley's Café for a recommended donation of €20, with the entire proceeds going to UNICEF to help children at risk of famine.