Nell
A joyful leap into life, freedom and possibility.
Nell captures that delicious moment of anticipation just before taking the plunge — when courage overtakes hesitation and there is nothing left to do but go for it.
Her pose has a wonderful sense of balance, confidence and forward movement. Standing tall with her feet together, her body appears to hover on the brink of a dive. Her arms sweep outwards like wings, her chest lifts and her face turns towards what lies ahead.
There is something both graceful and wonderfully determined about her — as though she has made her decision and is ready to launch herself wholeheartedly into the water.
Her vintage swimming costume, cap and goggles bring a playful nostalgia to the piece, while the contrast of warm bronze, vibrant green and gilded details gives Nell a distinctive contemporary character.
The Story Behind Nell
Nell was inspired by the fearless Irish journalist and campaigner Nell McCafferty and the group of women who, in the summer of 1974, challenged the long-standing male-only tradition at Dublin's famous Forty Foot bathing place in Sandycove, Dublin.
Their spirited swim was a simple but powerful act — claiming the same freedom to enter the water, swim and enjoy this much-loved place.
That story became the starting point for a sculpture about something much bigger than swimming.
Nell is about having the courage to take the plunge.
She celebrates those moments in life when we stop standing on the edge, leave convention or hesitation behind and throw ourselves into whatever comes next.
Placed beside water, emerging through planting or standing proudly at the end of a garden vista, Nell brings movement and personality into a landscape. Her open pose is particularly striking when viewed against sky, water or foliage, creating the impression that she might take flight at any moment.
- Always limited edition series
Made in UK by award winning resin casting service
Quality silicone Lloyds marine grade resin
Silicon bronze used for enhanced corrosion resistance and strength
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