Liam Roe's Artistic Legacy: A Sculptor's Haven in Raheny, Dublin
The late Liam Roe, a renowned wood sculptor and teacher, leaves behind a captivating legacy in the heart of Raheny, Dublin. His former home, No 66 Foxfield Park, is now on the market for €695,000, offering a glimpse into his creative world. This family-friendly estate, nestled near the serene Anne's Park and the bustling Dollymount Strand, was Roe's sanctuary for over four decades.
The property boasts a spacious 1,500 sq ft semi-detached house with a unique, attached back-garden workshop. Here, Roe crafted his masterpieces, with unfinished works and an array of chisels still on-site, providing a tangible connection to his artistic process. The workshop's interior showcases his versatility, featuring a hand-crafted fireplace in dark volcanic Irish basalt, topped with an oak plinth, and the house number 66, intricately carved with interlinked 6s, adorning the front brick wall.
Roe's journey began in 1935, as a senior hurley player with Dublin, where he discovered his passion for wood carving at age 23. This led him to study and train in the ancient art of carving with master carvers in Oberammergau, Germany, in 1962. Upon his return to Dublin, he exhibited and taught at the National College of Art and Design from 1976. Initially, he carved in the garage of his childhood home, but after moving to Foxfield Park in 1973, he set up his workshop in the rear-garden, working with a diverse range of woods, from walnut to Spanish chestnut, oak, yew, and lime.
Roe's oeuvre encompasses hundreds of pieces, exploring themes from Irish culture and history, the human and animal form, and equine and religious objects, including the iconic mother and child series. His dedication to his craft is evident in the unfinished works and chisels that remain, cherished by his family and serving as a testament to his 'work from home' setup.
The property is listed for sale at €695,000, with estate agents highlighting its generous living accommodation and adaptability for various family or work-from-home needs. It features a ground-floor shower room, guest WC, and a bright kitchen extension with granite-topped oak units and a Smeg range cooker. The rear garden, with a cherry blossom tree, provides access to the dedicated workshop, offering potential for upgrades and extensions.
Foxfield Park has witnessed over 40 resales, with prices typically ranging from €600,000 to €700,000. However, a recent sale of No 52 for €830,000 and No 29A, a modern four-bed detached, for €930,000, showcase the area's potential for high-end properties.
In summary, No 66 Foxfield Park is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Dublin's artistic history, offering a glimpse into the life and work of a master sculptor, Liam Roe.
