Project Overview
Basking – The Nursery is a continuation of Tom Meskell’s acclaimed Basking series, exploring the majestic presence and gentle mystery of the basking shark through illuminated sculpture and participatory art.
This new installation, The Nursery, draws inspiration from the early life of the basking shark — a rarely witnessed stage of one of the ocean’s most graceful giants. The work transforms the exhibition space into an underwater environment populated by illuminated basking shark pups, moon jellies, and planktonic lights, inviting audiences into a serene, immersive world of light, sound, and collective creativity.
This iteration of the Basking project, is specific to Tipperary and the imagery that results from this show will be immediately identifiable.
Artistic Concept
The project takes its title and theme from the “nursery” — the place where young basking sharks begin life. The pups, with their distinctive cone-shaped snouts and sleek, gentle forms, embody the fragility and resilience of marine ecosystems.
Within the gallery, several sculptural shark pups, each approximately 6.5 feet long, will appear to swim gracefully between the two sections of the space. These forms will be accompanied by glowing moon jelly lanterns suspended on the walls and ceiling, while community-made plankton pieces shimmer with tissue paper and fairy lights, filling the space with a dynamic sense of life and movement.
An existing soundscape in the main room will further envelop visitors, evoking the rhythms and sonorities of the underwater world — a meditative experience of connection and wonder.
Community Project
Local artists and young people of Tipperary Town help Tom construct this exhibition, making it a true community arts project:
As part of the professional artists development programme, local artists receive training in creating large-scale three-dimensional arts objects and curating an exhibition.
Tom works with pupils from primary schools and teenage community groups in art workshops to create smaller objects for display.
Scientific Inspiration
The project draws on fascinating marine biology surrounding basking shark reproduction:
- Basking sharks are believed to give birth to up to six pups at a time — the inspiration for multiple sculptures.
- They reproduce through ovoviviparity, meaning the embryos develop inside eggs within the uterus and hatch internally before live birth.
- Pups are born large — around 6.5 feet long .
- Their gestation period is extraordinarily long, estimated between one and three years.
These elements align beautifully with the project’s themes of patience, growth, and the nurturing of creativity through collaboration.
Exhibition
The exhibition runs from 14 November till 19 December 2025 at the 6s & 7s Gallery in Tipperary Town. The exhibition will open on Friday 14 November at 6pm. An informal artist talk will be held on Saturday 15 November at 11am. All are welcome.
6s & 7s Gallery, 6 Davis Street, Tipperary Town. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturdays 11am - 4pm.
This webpage will be updated as the project unfolds, so do check in again!
This Project takes place as part of Tipperary County Council’s Arts Programme with the support of the Arts Council and in cooperation with Creative Places Tipperary Town