The Third Generation
Oliver Power was the son of James Power and grandson of Albert George Power RHA — and Mark Freer's grandfather, the direct link between the great Albert Power and this archive. He worked as a stonemason and sculptor, maintaining the family tradition of working directly in stone.
The Robert Emmet Bridge Lettering
One of Oliver Power's most significant contributions is the carved lettering on the Robert Emmet Bridge, Harold's Cross, Dublin (1938). Carved directly into stone — permanent and unforgiving, with no possibility of correction — the lettering has endured for nearly a century without deterioration, a testament to his mastery of the craft.
The Family Studio
The Power family operated a stone yard and studio in Dublin across three generations, documented in the family archive from as early as 1912. Oliver grew up in and around this studio, learning directly from his father James as James had learned from Albert.
A Personal Note
This archive was created by Mark Freer, Oliver Power's grandson. Oliver is Mark's direct connection to the Power sculptural dynasty — the grandfather through whom the family's craft, its stories, and its archive passed to the next generation.
Robert Emmet Bridge — Carved Lettering
