Sensory garden opened in Kimmage in honour of Dublin legend Christy Brown
A sensory garden has been opened in Kimmage in honour of the acclaimed writer and artist, Christy Brown.The garden is biodiverse and a community space, created to reflect on Brown’s artistic legacy. Dublin City Council worked with artist Clodagh Emoe to memorialise his life's work.It was launched by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, with special guests Jim and Peter Sheridan and the Brown Family on the day of his birthday. The garden is situated adjacent to the Brown’s former family home at 54 Stannaway Road.The project was driven by the energy of the local residents, specifically the group Bloomin’ Crumlin, who worked closely with the Council to form the Artists brief, ensuring that Brown’s words and greening of the space are integral to the final artwork.Five flagstones of Wicklow granite, serve as the garden's foundation, hand-engraved with evocative excerpts from his poetry and prose work: : "IT CAN BE DONE", "RESPLENDENT", and "HOLY LITTLE VILLAGE" and "SECRET MOUNTAIN". The fifth flagstone is inlaid with the My Left Foot author's signature cast in bronze.Speaking at the launch the Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam said: “Christy Brown’s story belongs to Kimmage, to Dublin and to the world. This memorial is a fitting tribute to a remarkable writer and artist whose words, courage and creativity continue to inspire generations. It is also a tribute to the people of this community, to the Brown family, and to everyone who worked with such care and determination to ensure that Christy’s legacy is honoured here, beside the place he called home. As Lord Mayor, I am proud that Dublin is celebrating one of its own in a way that is thoughtful, inclusive, green and lasting.”The commission honours a man who, despite significant physical challenges, became one of Ireland’s most vital social and literary voices, largely due to the unwavering support and dedication from his mother Bridget who had 21 other children, 13 survived into adulthood."We the Brown Family are awe-struck by the work and attention to detail of the Memorial Garden commissioned to honour the memory of Christy in his hometown of Kimmage Dublin.""It has been deeply touching to see his signature & quotes encased within the Wicklow granite, ensuring that Christy's genius will be forever immortalized in stone for future generations to appreciate" said Ciarán DeBrún nephew of Christy Brown on behalf of the Brown Family.Selected artist Clodagh Emoe said “I am deeply honoured to be awarded the commission to develop and create a memorial to Dublin’s great artist and writer Christy Brown. Brown’s writing is at the heart of this project and his words set the foundations for this memorial as an accessible and biodiverse sensory garden.""Granite flagstones hand carved with Brown’s words and signature cast in bronze invite the public to stop and linger in this garden planted with native trees; Blackthorn, Guelder Rose, Crab Apple and Birch. It’s been a privilege working with the Brown family, the community of Crumlin and DCC and a joy transforming an overlooked and underused space into a green and intimate place to reflect and celebrate Brown’s life, work and legacy.”Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice
