Bunratty bust honours art and antiques expert

A stone bust of the late art and antiques expert John Hunt has been unveiled at a ceremony in Bunratty Castle, Co Clare.

The bust, by Dublin-based artist Cliodhna Cussen, was commissioned by Shannon Heritage and the Bunratty Castle furniture trustees to commemorate Mr Hunt's contribution to the arts.

Having encouraged Lord Gort to restore Bunratty Castle during the 1950s, Mr Hunt played an instrumental role in sourcing and collecting much of the art on display at Bunratty.

Among those who attended the event was Mr Hunt's daughter Trudy, who recalled living in the castle when her father was involved in the refurbishment.

"We used to have a flat upstairs during that time and I remember enjoying the winding staircase and the fact there were so many rooms to hide in," she said.

Brian O'Connell, chairman of Shannon Heritage, said people now enjoyed magnificent works thanks to the generosity of the Hunt family.

"We thought this piece of art dedicated to a man so involved in the art world would be the most appropriate tribute," he said.

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times