Summer has finally set in, here in St Leonards on Sea. I hope you're having sunny days, wherever you are.

Maud Gonne Statue Campaign: Moving Forward

First and foremost, I’m delighted to report that the Maud Gonne Statue Kickstarter Campaign continues to gain momentum. Thanks to the amazing support of our backers and community, we’re moving closer to making this dream a reality. This project means the world to me and so many others who believe in celebrating Maud Gonne's fearless spirit, her role in Irish independence, and her contributions to women's rights.

Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm—you’re helping to bring this important tribute to life.

Podcast Appearances: Sculpture Vulture & What’s Her Name

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to appear on two incredible podcasts.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Katie Nelson of the What’s Her Name podcast, a show that delves into the lives of women who have been forgotten or overlooked by history. Maud Gonne, of course, stands out for her boldness and complexity, and the discussion was rich with insights about how we can ensure her memory endures in a meaningful way.

And I was interviewed by Lucy Branch for her brilliant Sculpture Vulture podcast on public art, where we discussed not only the Maud Gonne project but also the role of art in shaping how we remember historical figures. That episode will air shortly, keep an eye on Instagram.

Media Coverage: Q102 and Dublin Live

The excitement around the campaign has also captured the attention of  Q102 and Dublin Live, both of which helped spread the word about why this project matters and how the community can get involved. We’re seeing such wonderful engagement, and every piece of coverage helps highlight why honoring Maud Gonne is important.

Feedback from Some Men: We're Celebrating the ‘Wrong’ Woman?

Of course, with any public project comes a range of opinions. Some men were moved to a bit of mansplaining as to why we are celebrating the ‘wrong’ woman–suggesting the women they felt were more deserving of a statue, and outlining Maud Gonne's flaws and faults. even though some of their criticisms pertained to Constance Markievicz, not Maud Gonne. ,

While these comments are interesting and valid in their own right, I believe they speak to a broader conversation about the visibility of women in our public monuments — more on this anon!

Maud Gonne was far from perfect—like all remarkable persons, she was complex. It’s precisely that complexity that makes her so worthy of remembrance. She challenged the status quo, embraced her own contradictions, stood up for what she believed in and devoted her energy to others. This discussion only deepened my personal appreciation of her legacy, and really made me think about who we choose to celebrate and why. So thanks guys!

Thank You for Your Continued Support

But mostly, thank you for your continued support. I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone’s passion, input, and energy as we continue to make strides towards our crazy goal. Every project that honours any wonderful woman is important and rectifying this oversight in Irish remembrance feels vital.

Wishing you a wonderful August filled with creativity and inspiration!

With gratitude,
Orna