The Lego model of one of Ireland’s most iconic buildings cost €3,100 to build
An epic Lego model of one of Ireland’s most iconic buildings cost the National Library just €3,100.
The incredible construction, which measures almost 6ft x 6ft and stands 2ft tall, was built to give a glimpse of what Dublin’s famous National Library buildings will look like after redevelopment.
The remarkable work – which will remain on display in the main entrance hall of the Kildare Street Library for the rest of the year – was built by Lego masters David and Breda Fennell.
Invoices submitted to the National Library for the project reveal that the entire project cost less than €5,000, with only €3,120 paid for the model itself.
An additional €498 was spent on specialized transport to bring the delicate work from the studio to the library.
Three large Lego title panels were also required and cost €197, while display panels fitted around the model were to cost €314.
The library also incurred a fee of €553 for photography services, according to documents it released.
The model itself used Lego train tracks to ensure it remained stable while the entrance floor was supported internally by larger Duplo bricks.
Other items used in its construction included Bart Simpson catapults, Lego sausages, vintage parts and dice to create dominoes.
Very rare gold coins were also used to create an Irish harp with badges of used for exterior decoration.
The model was commissioned alongside the ongoing redevelopment of the National Library’s main buildings.
The first phase of the work has already been completed and involved moving 350,000 books, newspapers and periodicals from the Victorian west wing of the library to a new secure storage area.
The next step will see the West Wing redeveloped into six floors of exhibition space and public engagement, with universal access also available.