Helen sculpted this portrait of Ernie O'Malley in 1933, shortly after they first met. Interviewed 40 years later, she said "I was so in love with him ... I never finished it". Their mutual attraction was intellectual as well as romantic. However, this was not enough to sustain their marriage through difficulties. Despite their divorce, Ernie was important to Helen for the rest of her life. This portrait, and the memories associated with it, remained present with her throughout.

Exhibited as part of 'A Modern Eye: Helen Hooker O'Malley's Ireland', 20 June-2 November 2019 at the National Photographic Archive

Physical description: 1 film negative : b&w ; 5.6 x 5.6 cm.