Bernard Joseph “Leo” Broe (1899-1966) was the father of Desmond Broe and also a sculptor. Desmond studied at the National College of Art in Dublin. He joined his father’s company and later took it over. Desmond’s main focus was on the Irish struggle for freedom. He produced mainly busts and figures in bronze and stone as well as monuments and religious sculptures and reliefs. In addition, he painted water colors of Dublin scenes. Desmond’s sister Irene E. Broe was also a sculptor and his son Dimitri became a known painter. In 1952, Desmond and his sister Irene both took part in the Helsinki Art Exhibition. Desmond presented the plaster statue Spirit of the Gael from the same year.
Ireland