A COLLECTION of 60 pieces from the studio of the late sculptor Patrick McElroy sold for more than €55,000 at an Irish art auction last night.
Ranging in size from 4in to almost 60in, the collection included bronzes, forged steel pieces and enamel works with mythological, religious and historical themes.
The highlights included a brightly coloured pectoral cross which won a gold medal for metal enamelling at the International Biennale of Sacred Art at Salzburg in 1960, and bronze sculptures of Brendan Behan and Icarus.
An enamel plaque of St Patrick, estimated to sell for €350, made €4,200. Adam’s auction house expected the 60 pieces would make €35,000.
McElroy, born into a Republican family in Inchicore in 1923, joined the RAF during the second World War. In 1948, he returned to work in Dublin as a blacksmith in CIÉ and began studying fine art at the National College of Art at night.
From 1954 until his death in February 2008, McElroy exhibited in most major art exhibitions. He was a founder member of the Project Art Gallery.
