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SCULPTOR VINCENT BROWNE has died at the age of 78.

Browne was one of Ireland’s most prolific sculptors, and he created many iconic public art works around Ireland.

These include the Temple Bar Palm Tree and the Tree of Life, which is situated outside Blanchardstown Civic Offices.

File image of man sheltering from rain under bronze Palm Tree sculpture in Temple Bar RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

Browne also created the Anti-War Memorial in Limerick, as well as Mr Screen, a caricature statue of a cinema usher which stood outside Screen Cinema until its closure in 2016.

Mr Screen was later relocated to the Savoy on O’Connell Street.

Mr Screen outside Screen Cinema in 2016 RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

Browne was born in Dublin in 1947 and studied at the National College of Art and Design, as well as the Jan Van Eyck Academy in the Netherlands. He was a member of Aosdána, the Arts Council. 

He died last week on 5 August.

Tree of Life sculpture outside Blanchardstown Civic Offices. Fingal County Council Fingal County Council

Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council, has paid tribute and extended her “deepest sympathies” to Browne’s friends, family, and those who were inspired by his work. 

“Many of his beloved artworks have shaped and informed the environments in which they inhabit; bringing life and character to public spaces across the country,” she said.

“His presence and influence on Irish art will be sorely missed.” 

Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne said it was “with great sadness” that he learned of the death of the “wonderful sculptor”.

“As a student in Dublin, I loved going to the Screen Cinema, and remembered always passing the statue of Mr Screen, the smiling usher that he created,” said Byrne.

Vincent Browne RIP.ie RIP.ie

“He produced so many iconic and remarkable works around Ireland. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.”