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Patrick Andrew Collins
Artist:
Henry Kitson and Theodore Alice Kitson
Location:
Commonwealth Ave. Mall, between Clarendon St. and Dartmouth St.
Location
Commonwealth Ave. Mall, between Clarendon St. and Dartmouth St.
United States
See map: Google Maps
Neighborhood:
Back Bay
Type:
Sculpture
Year:
1908
Medium:
Bronze and Granite
Collection:
Funders:
Unknown
Description:
This bust commemorates the second Irish-born mayor of Boston, who died unexpectedly while in office. Collins immigrated to the US at the age of four and lived most of his life in Boston. His love for both his native land and his adopted country is shown through the two allegorical figures flanking the granite base. One wears a crown of laurel leaves and holds a shield, representing Liberty; the other wears a crown of shamrocks and holds a harp, symbolizing Erin, or Ireland. The inscription below reminds us of Collins’ achievements following a modest upbringing: “upholsterer from 15 to 23,” he went on to receive a law degree from Harvard and pursue a political career.