Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- Twentieth Century (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
Granite stone
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Archival history
01/09/2011
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This piece of granite is alleged to be from Nelson's Pillar on O'Connell Street, which was blown up by the IRA at 2am on 8 March 1966. Bombs destroyed the upper half of the pillar, causing more damage to O'Connell Street than the original blast. Nelson's head was stored in a shed on Clanbrassil Street, before being stolen by students from the National College of Art and Design as a fund raising prank. It was leased to a London antique store owner, and later appeared on the stage of the Olympia when the Dubliners performed. The head of Nelson's Pillar is now on display in the excellent Dublin City Library and Archive on Pearse Street.