Europe's tallest sculpture unveiled in Dublin

Europe's tallest moving sculpture was unveiled by its creator in Dublin today.

Europe's tallest moving sculpture was unveiled by its creator in Dublin today.

Irish Wave - a 116-foot structure weighing more than 20 tonnes - is more than 50 foot taller than north-east England's Angel of the North.

Irish Wave

Sculptor Angela Conner took two years to design the structure, which towers above the landscape of west Dublin's Park West business site.

Ms Conner gained her inspiration for the sculpture from Islamic calligraphy, and by watching saplings move in the wind.

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The creation is made of stainless steel and carbon fibre and is powered by the wind. It can sway up to 20 feet and returns to its central position with the help of a nine-tonne underground counterweight.

Speaking at the official unveiling today Ms Conner said: "The idea behind the sculpture comes from the sense that people or things always regain a sense of centre.

"This, philosophically, is something that interested me very much. I particularly like people who get into all sorts of trouble but manage to keep their sense of balance."

The sculpture was built in a workshop in Norfolk usually used to build constructions for the motor sport and aircraft industries.

PA