Desmond Broe studied at the National College of Art in Dublin. His father was the sculptor Bernard Joseph "Leo" Broe (1899-1966), He joined his father's company and later took it over. Desmond's main focus was on the Irish struggle for freedom. He produced mainly busts and figures in bronze and stone as well as monuments and religious sculptures and reliefs. In addition, he painted water colors of Dublin scenes. Desmond's sister Irene E. Broe was also a sculptor and his son Dimitri became a known painter. In 1952, Desmond and his sister Irene both took part in the Helsinki Art Exhibition. Desmond presented the plaster statue Spirit of the Gael from the same year. Medals were awarded in five categories (architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture), for works inspired by sport-related themes. These were the first Olympic Games following the devastation of World War II. The art exhibition was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum from 15 July to 14 August, and displayed works of art from 27 countries. The literature competition attracted 44 entries, and the music competition had 36 entries.
The art competitions included multiple subcategories for each of the five artistic categories. The judges declined to award any medals for dramatic works in literature, and no gold medals in another five subcategories.
These were the last Games in which art competitions were held, after being in the official program for all Games since 1912. At a meeting of the International Olympic Committee in 1949 it was decided to hold art exhibitions instead, as it was judged inappropriate to permit professionals to compete in the art competitions while only amateurs were permitted to compete in sporting events. Since 1952 a non-competitive art and cultural festival has been associated with each Games.
Arts
