Marina Guinness accepting the President's Circle certificate from Sir David Davies on behalf of the Hon. Desmond Guinness
Dr Edward McParland accepting the President's Circle certificate from Sir David Davies
Emma Bryan accepting the President's Circle certificate from Sir David Davies on behalf of Mary Bryan
In 2017 the Constitution of the Irish Georgian Society was amended to allow for the formation of a President’s Circle to recognise those who have given esteemed service and/or support to the Society over the years. This is an honorary body with no formal governance or advisory role and in 2019 Sir David Davies, IGS President, announced the first six of what can be up to 20 members.
Hon Desmond Guinness
For a lifetime’s work in protecting Ireland’s architectural heritage through campaigns, conservation projects, scholarship, and, not least, co-founding the Irish Georgian Society in 1958 and serving as its President and guiding light for so many years. For inspiring the thousands of people who have joined the Society over the years and others who have an interest in Ireland’s historic buildings; to all, Desmond is truly a conservation hero.
Dr Edward McParland
For championing the work of the Irish Georgian Society for many years through supporting the publication of Irish Architectural & Decorative Studies and other scholarly initiatives, through membership of the Irish Georgian Foundation board, and for inspiring generations to continue to learn about and cherish our built heritage.
Fred Krehbiel
For providing generous support to the Irish Georgian Society over many years as a major donor, as a board member of IGS Inc, and through providing advice and guidance during challenging times as well as times of celebration. This support has been vital for the Society’s conservation, education and advocacy programmes and has secured its position as a foremost guardian of Ireland’s architectural and decorative arts heritage.
Gilbert Butler
For a most generous and transformational donation towards the restoration of the Knight of Glin Exhibition Room which stands out as a landmark contribution in support of Ireland’s architectural heritage. Additionally, for support towards the Society’s work in promoting traditional building skills which assisted the IGS in becoming a leading voice in this field in Ireland.
Sheila O’Malley
For providing stalwart support for the Irish Georgian Society in the United States over many years as a generous donor, as former President of IGS Inc, and as a source of essential advice and guidance. This support helped the Society in Ireland become a leading voice for the conservation of Ireland’s architectural heritage and was also vital in the restoration of the City Assembly House.
Mrs. Della Howard
For long and active involvement with the Irish Georgian Society and continued support of the IGS London Chapter since its foundation which has played an important role in its continued success.
In forming the President’s Circle, recognition was also given to those who are no longer with us and in doing so the Society wished to honour Desmond FitzGerald, 29th Knight of Glin, and Mary Bryan.
Desmond FitzGerald, 29th Knight of Glin
For outstanding leadership of the Irish Georgian Society as its President from 1991 until 2011, and for the lifetime’s support he gave the Society through an unparalleled knowledge of Ireland’s architectural and decorative arts heritage. Furthermore, for inspiring legions of students, scholars and enthusiasts around the world to better understand and protect Ireland’s rich heritage through research, learning and campaigning.
Mary Bryan
For an inestimable contribution to the Irish Georgian Society from the mid-1990s first as conservation officer, then as Executive Director and latterly as Chair of the Irish Georgian Foundation during which time she was a truly great champion of our built heritage through campaigning for buildings at risk, promoting traditional building skills and acting as an ambassador at home and abroad.