Massachusetts Institute of Technology Boston Terrorist victim honoured by Crystal engraverSean Egan is renowned for his beautiful, poignant crystal creations. His works include the 9/11 Twin Towers commemorative sculptures and, in 2013, his “Gathering Bowl” was presented by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny to U.S. President Barack Obama, in the traditional St. Patrick’s Day White House visit.
It was a mix of fate and timing that sees Sean Egan charged with the design and creation of a crystal memorial to M.I.T. Police Officer Sean Collier, who was shot and killed in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Ralph Ingegneri, Chair of the 2013 Marathon Tribute Memorial Group and his wife Rose, were visiting Ireland to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. When in Waterford they met Sean, who brings his crystal creations to life at his workshop in the Medieval Museum, situated in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle.
Ralph and Rose learned that Sean was working on a commemorative piece for the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, so following the Boston Marathon bombings, they decided that Sean would be the perfect craftsman to create a piece to pay tribute to Officer Collier.
Sean said “It is a great honour to be asked by Ralph and Rose and the Boston Marathon Tribute Memorial Group to create this piece, honouring a man who can only be described as a fallen hero. Officer Collier was shot and killed by the Tsarnaev brothers during the manhunt following the Boston Marathon Bombings and his colleagues at M.I.T. and the Memorial Group wanted to remember him as he was…a son, a brother, a friend, a hero.”
According to Sean the memorial piece consists of four crystal panels, with an etched portrait of Officer Collier, his badge and number, the dome of M.I.T., and a flag and eagle. “I chose the concept as I felt it best represented Officer Collier, who was killed in the line of duty. It was great to work with the Boston Memorial Group as they gave me an invaluable insight into the man.”
“My hope is that this piece is truly representative of Officer Collier and symbolises his courage and bravery. If I can help tell his story through the art of glass, I feel I will have done the man justice.”
On April 15th, the Collier Memorial will be presented by Sean to Officer Collier’s colleagues at M.I.T and displayed at the police station.
Mr. Richie Walsh, of Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office which has been supporting Sean Egan’s project said that this was a wonderful achievement for Sean. “Sean has always shown great skill and creativity and it is only fitting that he was chosen to create a memorial to Officer Collier. Waterford is, and has always been, the proud hub of crystal manufacturing and to see Sean’s work recognised internationally is a ringing endorsement of the artisan craftsmanship within the city.”
Sean is also currently working on a crystal sculpture to commemorate the victims of the Boston Marathon, 8-year-old Martin Richard, Krystal Campbell and Lu Lingzi, which will be presented to the City of Boston in April. 264 people were injured when two pressure cooker bombs exploded during the Marathon on April 15, 2013.
The Boston Marathon Tribute Memorial Group is endeavouring to raise funds locally, nationally and internationally to fund the sculptures and to provide funds for charities affiliated with the victims to cover medical expenses. For further information or to donate visit www.marathontribute.org
For information about Sean Egan Art Glass and details about his projects visit www.seaneganartglass.com