Bisque with graphic black details as well as a faint orange stain on its beak and webbed feet, this fabulous tabletop ceramic puffin sculpture by Oisin Kelly for Kilkenny Design Studio (Kilkenny, Ireland) has an impact that far surpasses its 5 and a half inch stature.
Born Austin Kelly in Dublin, Oisín Kelly (1915–1981) was a prominent Irish sculptor who worked in wood, stone, and metal. Though largely self taught, he attended night class at the National College of Art and Design, studying briefly under Henry Moore. In 1949, Kelly received his first commission, for a church designed by the architect Liam McCormick, and thereafter religious themes and motifs were a consistent element in his work. In addition to extensive commissioned sculpture for public and private spaces, Kelly was known for studies of birds and animals.
Kelly was an artist in residence at Kilkenny Design Studio, a member of the Committee of the Irish Exhibition of Living Art and a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy, where he was also Professor of Sculpture. Retrospective exhibitions of his work have been presented in Dublin, Cork and Belfast.
3.25ʺw × 5.75ʺd × 5.75ʺh. The body of the sculpture is in near perfect condition. There is some spotting on its base, around the feet, as well as a white stain around part of the rim of the base.
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