Peter Pearson outlines the history of the former City Assembly House on Dublin’s South William Street, now the flagship of the Irish Georgian Society
The City Assembly House on Dublin’s South William Street is one of the capital’s hidden treasures; a little known 18th-century building which once housed the Civic Museum. This delightful mid Georgian building stands just across from the grander and more ostentatious Powerscourt townhouse, and together are the two key buildings which dominate South William Street – one of Dublin’s most interesting and intact 18th-century thoroughfares.
Having lain idle for ten years, the Irish Georgian Society (IGS) has taken over the building and embarked on a major refurbishment, with the support of Dublin City Council, who own the property. The IGS, Ireland’s leading architectural conservation body, has had no landmark headquarters since the early days of its existence when Desmond and Mariga Guinness embarked on the restoration of Castletown House and their own home Leixlip Castle
‘Culture is about sharing; Nationalism is about ownership.’ Hughie O’Donoghue encapsulates the chasm between the two concepts, in conversation with Brian McAvera
The study of fragments is second nature to Jason Ellis, writes Paula Murphy of the sculptor’s collection from last year.
As Irish Design 2015 is launched worldwide, we republish here Jennifer Goff’s assessment of the legacy of internationally acclaimed arch Modernist Eileen Gray