IRISH BLUE BARGAIN. A private art collector in Ireland has picked up a bargain in the shape of two, 2m tall squirrels by sculptor Barry Wrafter for his 400-acre estate in Cork. One (pictured above) is a grey squirrel carved in Irish blue limestone from McKeon Stone. It makes use of the different colours created by different finishes on the stone. The other, a red squirrel, is cast in bronze and is currently in about 60 pieces ready to be welded together.

The sculpture was commissioned for a shopping development but last year the commission was cancelled, even though 755,000 of the 780,000 price had already been paid. The story made the national press in Ireland when Barry looked for a new buyer for the squirrels asking only the outstanding sum for them. Although they will now be in a private estate rather than the public domain, Barry says they will be in good company as other sculptures on the estate include pieces by Turner Prize-winner Tony Cragg.

Barry says he currently has so much work he is looking for a skilled mason / carver to come and join him at his workshop in Shannon. Anyone interested should give him a call on Tel: 00353 876 546678. Email: barrywrafter06@eircom.net