The Irish Georgian Society's Conservation Grants Scheme 2016 was announced yesterday at a small ceremony at the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 63 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. In all, fourteen historic buildings successfully received a grant from the IGS.

In announcing the awards, Primrose Wilson, Chair of the Society’s Conservation Grants Committee, said "the Irish Georgian Society's grants programme plays an important role in helping to protect our built heritage as many of the grants provided are used for essential roof, gutter and window repairs. The maintenance and repair of these features is vital to prevent the decay of historic fabric through water ingress and the onset of damp, both of which can be disastrous in old buildings".

The total value of grants amounts to €56,500. Funded by the London Chapter of the Irish Georgian Society, these grants will help owners and guardians of architecturally important historic buildings to fund essential works which may not otherwise be possible.

St Michael’s Church, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath 
Works description: Refurbishment of two Gothic sash windows at the east end of the church.
Grant awarded: €2,000
St Michael’s Church (CoI), Castlepollard, is a Hall type structure with bell Tower, spire and pinnacles. Its external walls are finished in a combination of stonework and lined rough cast (harling finished) lime render. The front boundary is constructed of iron gates with railings on a stone plinth. The Church was built in 1821 by the Pollard family who founded the original settlement which has now become the town of Castlepollard. It is a perfect example of a Georgian Town Church and comprises a focal point of the town’s Georgian Square.

Maunsell Chapel, Tea Lane Graveyard, Celbridge, Kildare
Works description: Roof repairs
Grant awarded: €3,000
The Maunsell Chapel was constructed in 1820 by the Maunsell family of nearby Oakley Park and adjoins an earlier mausoleum of the Conolly family of Castletown. It lies within the Tea Lane Graveyard whose origins extend back to Early Christian times with associations with Saint Mochua and is situated alongside the remains of a medieval church. The restoration of the mausoleum is being led by the Tea Lane Graveyard Committee whose aim is the conservation and preservation of this significant heritage area. 

Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co. Laois
Works description: roof repairs including repairs to chimney stacks
Grant awarded: €5,000
Stradbally Hall was built in the 1770s by the Cosby family and extensively renovated in an Italianate-style one hundred years later under the direction of the architect Charles Lanyon. It is a nine-bay two-storey over basement house with a tetrastyle Doric portico to its centre, a four-bay two-storey over basement bachelor wing, and a three-bay double-height pedimented arched loggia to its former entrance front. It has been home to the Cosby family since the mid-sixteenth century and survives as one of the great country houses of Ireland. Essential to the survival of these houses is an effective programme of maintenance and repair to hold back the forces of decay. The current works to the roof and chimney stacks will help in securing it for future generations to appreciate.

Collon Parish Church, Collon, Co. Louth
Works description: repairs to the east gable parapet
Grant awarded: €5,000
Collon Church was designed by Rev. Daniel Augustus Beaufort (1739 – 1821), an amateur architect and rector of Collon and Navan parishes. It is a free-standing five bay church designed in the Perpendicular style, and is loosely modelled on English perpendicular churches such as Kings College Chapel, Cambridge. The facades are articulated by staggered buttresses surmounted by pinnacles and large limestone framed windows with perpendicular tracery. The gabled east elevation of the rectangular chancel which faces the public road is flanked by octagonal turrets and a pair of single storey porches. This is the second year the Irish Georgian Society has provided grant aid to the Friends of Collon Church in their sterling efforts to save this architecturally important building.

Scots Church, Athy Road, Carlow, Co. Carlow
Works description: emergency roof repairs.
Grant awarded: €5,000
Scots Church, Carlow, was completed in 1818 to the designs of the architect Thomas Alfred Cobden. It has a compact form and simple design that is articulated by a front elevation of classical composition. Over a period of time defective slates and flashings has led to water ingress that has given rise to significant damage within the roof. If not remedied, this could further harm the church’s octagonal ceiling and lead to the onset of timber decay. 

Ballynagar House, Abbey, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Works description: roof repairs
Grant awarded: €5,000
Ballnager House was constructed c. 1807 to the design of the architect Richard Morrison (1767-1849) for the Aylward family who had moved to Galway from Waterford in the mid-17th century. It is a five-bay two-storey house over a raised basement with a shallow pedimented single-bay entrance breakfront, and bow ends to gables. Remnants of an earlier house survive in a three-bay three-storey return. The repair of the roof of Ballynagar will ensure the building is weather tight and halt the potential for decay through wet and dry rot.

Dublin Civic Trust, 18 Upper Ormond Street, Dublin
Works description: repairs and reinstatement of shutter boxes and of missing window sashes to each of the four floors to the rear of the building
Amount awarded: €6,000
No 18 Ormond Quay is the focus of an ambitious conservation and refurbishment programme by the Dublin Civic Trust which will see the revitalisation of building that has long stood empty and forlorn. It is comprised of two adjoining structures: the later one of which faces onto the quays and stands four storeys over basement, with the original blind arcaded shopfront to the ground floor and with yellow, wigged brickwork to the upper floors which regrettably is covered with 20th-century pebbledash. The earlier structure, built c. 1765, lies to the rear and is reputed to have been the first home of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy. 

Boyle Courthouse, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Works description: Roof repairs
Amount awarded: €3,000
Constructed c. 1830 to the designs of the architect Samuel Jackson, Boyle courthouse comprises a detached three-bay two storey building with flanking recessed single-storey entrance bays, Giant order pilasters to the façade with string course, cornice and round-headed recessed blind doorways. It served as a venue for sittings of the Petty and Quarter Sessions and, following independence, sittings of the Districts and Circuit Courts. The courthouse closed in 2012 with sittings moved to the Carrick on Shannon and Roscommon Courthouses but is now the focus of a refurbishment programme led by Boyle Courthouse Development Ltd.  

Birr Castle, Birr, Co. Offaly
Works description: repairs to roof and parapet walls
Amount awarded: €5,000
Situated on the site of a Norman fortification of c. 1170, Birr Castle was built and extended during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and represents one of the surviving great houses of Ireland. The current façade was completed c.1840 and comprises a central three-bay, thre storey over basement entrance block with two-storey over basement flanking wings. Its slate roof hidden lies behind a crenellated parapet and a variety of window openings include pointed-arched openings with tooled stone surrounds, hoodmouldings and cast-iron casement windows. Effective maintenance programmes are vital to ensure the longevity of such houses with roof repairs of particular importance.  

Royal Society Of Antiquaries, 63 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
Works description: repair of cracked chimney breast in first first floor reception rooms
Amount awarded: €1,500
No 63 Merrion Square is the home of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (RSAI) and comprises a three bay, four storey over basement house. It was constructed c. 1780 by John Sandwith whose lease required that he construct a ‘good and substantial dwelling house with lime and stones, or with bricks and lime and stones, or with bricks and lime, well roofed and covered with slates, not less than 30 ft. in the front and 3 stories and a half high above the cellars at least, and shall make an area of 8 ft. wide at the front of the said house…. . .’ Plaster work in the house is by Andrew Callnan (on behalf of surveyor Bryan Bolger) and shows the influence of Michael Stapleton. The RSAI bought the house in 1917, also buying the remainder of the lease from the Pembroke estate for £500. 

Ross House, O’briensbridge, Co. Clare
Works description: sash window repairs
Amount awarded: €5,000
Ross House was constructed c. 1819 on the site of a late 17th century house and is attributed to the architect Francis Bindon. It is a six bay, two storey over basement house with a hipped roof and wide eaves. It consist of two parts with an earlier residential element standing perpendicular to a later structure that once contained staff quarters and stables. The main block retains its original six-over-six sash windows which comprise an integral part of its character.  The Irish Georgian Society’s grant will ensure that the windows in Ross House will survive for future generations to appreciate.

Ledwithstown, Ballymahon, Co. Longford
Works description: support of condition report on the roof to gain a clear understanding of the structure and to facilitate a prioritisation of repair works.
Amount awarded: €3,000
Built in the 1740s to the design of the architect Richard Castle, Ledwithstown is considered one of Ireland’s finest eighteenth century houses of the middle size. It is a square house of two floors over groin vaulted basement and attic floor and has a tripartite doorway with pediment and cut stone steps. It is very well proportioned with brick based cornice, fielded and raised panelling on the ground floor with some shell decorations. There are two staircases, unusual for a house of its size, with egg and dart cornice on the main stair ceiling. The 1st floor plain and dentil cornices, and plaster panels and timber fielded panels with dentil cornice. The house has been the subject of an exceptional refurbishment programme by the Feeney family over recent decades and vital works are now required to halt water ingress through the roof. The report funded by the Irish Georgian Society will allow a thorough analysis of the roof and the specification of works.

Kildrought House, Celbridge, Kildare
Description of works: dismantling, underpinning and restoring the carriage entrance opening onto Celbridge main street.
Amounted awarded: €5,000
Kildrought was built by Robert Baillie in 1719 to the design of Kildare architect Thomas Burgh who also designed the Library of Trinity College, Dublin and has been carefully restored by its current owner. It is a three storey early Georgian merchant’s house that originally had two reciprocal, pedimented carriage entrances, though one was later filled in and developed prior to acquisition by the current owner. In 1747 the two outbuildings on the north side were extended and incorporated into the whole but later the leasehold was separated. The interiors were remodelled in 1862 but the present owners have sought to reinstate the design of the past house. 

Albert's House, 18 O'connell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
Works description: Refurbishment and restoration of shop front
Amount awarded: €3,000
Built c. 1825, Albert’s House was constructed c. 1825 and since that time has served as a shop, a home, a workhouse, a police barracks, and as a bakery until it was severely damaged by fire. A programme of restoration is being implemented to secure the future of the building. Immediate works to the shopfront will halt processes of decay and ensure it will continue to form an essential part of the historic character of the street.

Read more

The Liberties and Edward Worth library walking tour, led by Arran Henderson, started off at City Hall and proceeded to Castle Street taking in sites such as St. Werburgh's Church. The next stop was to look at an old facade of a church which is long gone known as St. Nicholas within. The date stone can of 1707 can be still seen.  The group continued on to Francis Street to look at the houses that were built by the Artisan Dwelling Company, Iveagh Markets and St. Francis Church. After this, the group moved to the 19th century complex of streets and squares around Gray Street and Reginald Street with houses built of the Artisan Dwelling Company and at its centre has an interesting a copper-domed canopy sheltering a Sacred Heart statue constructed in 1929. St James Gate was next and then onto St. James Street exploring its unique streetscape influenced through the 19th and 20th century by the Guinness brewery. The final stop before the Edward Worth library where Arran quoted Swift:

‘He gave the little Wealth he had,

To build a House for Fools and Mad:

And shew'd by one satyric Touch,

No Nation wanted it so much:

That Kingdom he hath left his Debtor,

I wish it soon may have a Better’

The tour concluded with the group enjoying an interesting talk by librarian Dr Elizabethanne Boran on the history of the collection and Edward Worth himself.

 

 

                                        

                                           

                                            

                                                 

                                                 

  

                          

                           

Read more

One of our current conservation projects is the conservation of an important painted glass window by the artist Thomas Jervais (d. 1799) at Agher Church, Rathmoylan, Co. Meath. The first phase was removing the window from Agher (read more about this here).

The painted enamel window by Thomas Jervais’ (d. 1799) in Agher Church was executed in 1770 and presents Paul preaching at Athens, from the cartoons of Raphael. 

The conservation works are to be undertaken by the York Glaziers Trust. Intrinsic to their programme of works was the engagement of an Irish conservator who will gain experience with the aim of returning to Ireland and enhancing the skills base in this country. Emma Newman is the Irish conservator, and she will be sending us regular updates on the progress of works in the studio.

Part of the Jervais window in the York Glaziers Trust studio, ready for cleaning.

Detail of St. Paul
The window has been separated into three panels which are called 1A, 2A and 3A. Firstly, a rubbing was taken of the panels, all pre conservation documentation was typed up and the panels were dismantled. The top panel (3A) is completely clean, the middle and bottom panels (2A, 1A) are currently being cleaned.


Panels 1A and 2A are really interesting as they have several plates of glass. Some of the plates have been stained to create deeper shades of orange for the robes; some have fired glass paint and some plates cover cold painted sections which are unfired! The unfired paint needs to be cleaned very carefully and cannot be rushed as it is somewhat fragile.​

National Heritage Week 2016
As part of National Heritage Week 2016, the Irish Georgian Society will be hosting an open afternoon at Agher Church on 24th August, providing visitors with the rare opportunity to view the window once it has been reinstated.

Pictures: Emma Newman

Read more

A group braved the weather on Saturday morning where they assembled at Binn's bridge beside the Brendan Behan statue. The tour, led by long time member Peter Clarke, then proceeded to walk the course of the Royal Canal speaking on its development and construction. The construction of the canal was a monumental build with involvement of well known figures of the period including the Conolly's of Castletown and the Leinsters. The group finished the tour at the Blessington Street basin.

               

               

 

               

               

Read more

This year's annual Summer Garden Party was hosted by IGS President, Sir David Davies, who welcomed guests to his beautiful home at Abbey Leix, Co. Laois. Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés while relaxing in the wonderful garden. Also in attendance was the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys. Thank you to all who attended, a great day was had by all.

Dr. David Fleming and the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys

Camilla McAleese and Katriona O' Sullivan

D Rennison-Kunz and Renee Lawless 

Kieran, Lucy, and Olivia Quinn 

Lady Rosse and Skip Heinecke 

Letitia Pollard and Kevin Hurley 

William Laffan, Lord Rosse, Ian Lumley, and Kevin Hurley 

Joy O' Kane 

Kate Nagle 

Ruth McManus and Frances 

Sir David Davies and Dr. David Fleming 

Dr. David Fleming, joined by Sir David Davies, treating guests to an impassioned speech

Read more

Our small band of American Irish Georgians had a wonderful visit last week.  In the capable hands of Marianne Gorman, a group that included Beth Dater, the President of the American Board of Directors and fellow board members Tom Cooney, Steve Zick, and Patrick Killian, as well as US Executive Director Michael Kerrigan, we had a wonderful tour.  Our first day was spent visiting the restored Kilmainhaim Gaol in recognition of the centennial of the 1916 Rising. The next day we were led on a tour of several houses on Henrietta Street, the place to live in Dublin in the 1740s.  We were led by the eminent architectural historian, Dr. Eddie McParland, who brought the houses to life for the group.  We were fortunate enough to be invited to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Casey's house at No. 13 Henrietta Street, purchased in 1974 and restored in a most thoughtful way to demonstrate the layers of history since the building's construction.

The Irish Georgian Society American tour group enjoying the lunch and hospitality of Cobalt Café on historic North Great George's Street, before continuing on to nearby Belvedere College to see the recently restored Michael Stapleton interiors. 

Michael Casey and friends at No. 13 Henrietta St

No. 13 Henrietta Street

Dr. Eddie McParland (Trinity College Dublin) holding forth while leading a tour of No. 13 Henrietta St

The next day we were off the the country. Our first stop was Bellamont Forest, a perfect example of a pure Palladian villa in Coote Hill, Co. Cavan.  We were met by a local expert on historic preservation, Mr. Noel Carney, who welcomed us and gave us a tour of the house and grounds. To our great surprise, he also organized a picnic at a neighbouring demense, where we toured the recently restored Dawson Temple that the London Chapter of the IGS has been so instrumental in renovating.  We spent the evening at Castle Leslie in Co. Monaghan before departing the next morning for Armagh in Northern Ireland.

In Armagh, we were met by Primrose Wilson, a member of the Irish Georgian Foundation Board of Directors, and her charming husband, Edward.  They proceeded to give us a tour of Armagh which included the Episcopal Palace, the chapel on the grounds of the demense, the public library commissioned by Archbishop Robert Robinson as well as the Cathedral Church of St. Patrick. Our tour was followed by the most delightful lunch at the Wilson's house in the country where we spent an entertaining and relaxing afternoon and were sad to leave.

Dinner found us in Belfast at The Merchant Hotel, a 19th century bank that has been transformed in to an elegant five star hotel.

Baronscourt Estate

Tour of Baronscourt House with the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn

Lunch with the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn at Baronscourt

The next morning we had a short journey to Mount Stewart where we spent most of the day. We were welcomed by Lady Rose Lauritzen and the head curator Francis Bailey, whom led us on a marvelous tour of the house, which she brought alive with her deep knowledge and sharp wit.  Later, the head gardener, Mr. Neil Porteous, led us on a tour of the extensive gardens, including ones laid out by Lady Edith, Lady Rose's grandmother.  Lady Rose than hosted an elegant luncheon for the group and entertained us in a most hospitable manner.

Friday morning we set out for Barons Court, the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, who welcomed the group for a tour and elegant luncheon. The house was started in 1779 by the architect George Steuart . Later architects involved in redesigning and completing Barons Court were John Soane and Richard and William Morrison. Those that had not visited before were taken with the house and the David Hicks interiors, which looks as fresh and interesting today as when they were done up. After a lovely luncheon in the spectacular rotunda, we were treated to a brief walk around the gardens and bid our adieu.

~
Lunch with Primrose and Edward Wilson at Marlacoo House, Armagh 

The dining room at Tullynally


Staircase at the Temple of the Winds, Mount Stewart

Beth Dater (New York Chapter) at the Temple of the Winds at Mount Stewart

 

Saturday found us spending the morning at Florence Court, a large 18th-century house and estate located a few miles from Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.  The group had a wonderful tour of the house and grounds  before making a visit to the gift shop and bookstore and a well earned lunch.

We then found ourselves at Castle Coole, a late-18th-century neoclassical great house situated in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. We had a very well informed volunteer guide who showed us around the main rooms of the house, much to our great delight.

Saturday evening we were the guests of the Earl of Erne, John Crichton and his stepmother, Anna at Crom Castle,situated on the shores of the Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.  We were treated to a delightful tour of the house followed by a lovely dinner in the baronial dining room, complete with a roaring fire in the fire place that added to the romance of the evening.

Eliza Pakenham, historian and daughter of Valerie Pakenham of Tullynalley House

Gloria & Robert Turner (Chicago Chapter) disembarking the SS Nomadic steamship

Tom Cooney (Chicago Chapter) and Patrick Killian (Palm Beach Chapter) at Barons Court

 

On our return to Dublin the next day, we had a delightful visit with the Packenhams at Tullynally Castle, which is a country house situated  in County Westmeath, Ireland. The gothic style building has over 120 rooms and has been home to the Pakenham family ( the Earls of Longford) for most of the last 350 years.  We were entertained by Valerie Pakenham and her daughter Eliza and had a charming visit.

And then to Dublin Sunday afternoon and the end of a wonderful tour.

 

Words: Michael Kerrigan, Executive Director, IGS Inc.
Pictures: Michael Kerrigan and Steven Zick

 

View more pictures from the tour on our facebook page!

Read more