The National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin has responded to "feedback" after the unveiling of its new Sinéad O'Connor figure yesterday, July 25.
“Following the recent unveiling of a wax figure honoring the iconic singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor, The National Wax Museum Plus is launching a new project to create a more accurate representation," the museum said in a statement on Friday, the day after the unveiling.
The museum said that the original wax figure - which was unveiled yesterday to coincide with Sinéad O'Connor's first anniversary today - was meant to be "a tribute to her profound legacy and influence on the world of music and Irish culture."
The museum said: “In response to the public’s feedback regarding the wax figure, we acknowledge that the current representation did not meet our high standards or the expectations of Sinéad’s devoted fans.
“We have listened closely to the reactions and agree that the figure does not fully capture Sinéad’s unique presence and essence as we intended."
July 25, 2024: The wax figure of Sinéad O'Connor unveiled at The National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin. (RollingNews.ie)
The museum said it was their goal to honor O'Connor and her impact "in the most fitting and respectful manner."
It added: “We deeply appreciate the public’s love for Sinéad and share in their admiration for her remarkable career and contributions.
“With this in mind, we are committed to creating a new wax figure that better reflects Sinéad O’Connor’s true spirit and iconic image.
“Our team of skilled artists will begin this project immediately, ensuring that every detail is meticulously crafted to celebrate her legacy appropriately."
The museum thanked everyone who provided feedback and said they are looking "forward to unveiling a new figure that truly honours Sinéad O’Connor and her extraordinary impact.”
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The wax figure of Sinéad O'Connor was commissioned by museum director Paddy Dunning and crafted by PJ Hegarty for what is his final contribution to the museum.
The wax figure of O'Connor is instantly recognizable as having been inspired by her look in her smash-hit "Nothing Compares 2 U" music video.
Among those critical of the Sinéad O'Connor wax figure that was unveiled on Thursday is the singer's brother John O'Connor.
He told RTÉ Liveline on Friday that he didn't think the wax figure "looked like her at all," but added that he doesn't want to denigrate any artist.
"When I saw it online yesterday, I was shocked," O'Connor said.
"I thought it looked something between a mannequin and something out of the Thunderbirds.
"I thought it was hideous."
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Dunning, who was also a longtime friend of Sinéad, separately told Liveline that the wax figure was delivered the night before the unveiling.
"We didn't get to actually see the figure," he said, adding: "The normal process would be, the team would be presented by the sculptor. We would analyze it and review it and approve it. But that did not happen this time."
He went on to say: "I had to take the decision to cancel the statue and we'll go again.
"We'll remodel.
"We have to do better on this occasion."
Sinéad O’Connor’s brother John has told #Liveline he thought the newly unveiled waxwork of his late sister was ‘hideous’ and like something out of The Thunderbirds.
Paddy Dunning, who oversees the National Wax Museum where the figure was revealed, and who was a personal friend… pic.twitter.com/IcqDTz04Ak
— RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) July 26, 2024
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