Hand Bells
Decorated medieval Irish hand bells
The recurring motif of the wave and the sea in connection with the bell shape in Holger's sculpture reflect his focus on the Atlantic and on the archæology of Ireland, resulting in the Sea Bell sculptures. He received support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in 2008/09 to develop a body of work of more than a dozen decorated bronze bells. Ireland had no tradition of large towerbells, instead handbells were used throughout the middle ages, of which more than seventy were found. Over the centuries many of these bells were safeguarded by families of hereditary keepers, erenaghs, passed down through generations and often used at funerals. Holger produced replicas of a 12th century Drumholm Bell from Donegal and the Bangor/Lough Lene Bell. Monks of the early Irish-celtic church kept small handbells and most likely took them on their journeys all over Europe.
The bells here were cast using authentic medieval metal working techniques: lost wax, clay/sand/dung moulds and charcoal fired pit-furnaces.
