Terence Reeves-Smyth celebrates a Grecian-revival masterpiece on the shores of Strangford Lough, Co Down
Superlatives are never in short supply when discussing the Temple of the Winds at Mount Stewart. This delightfully proportioned and exquisitely crafted architectural gem, with glorious views overlooking Strangford Lough, is regarded by many as the most beautiful building in Ireland (Fig 4). This was certainly the often-expressed view of Dick Oram, who sadly died last December. He had an abiding passion for this building and as Senior Conservation Architect for Built Heritage (NIEA) was instrumental in initiating its restoration in 1994-95
On the eve of his show at the Hunt Museum, Limerick, in Winter 2009 Joseph McBrinn considered the unique aesthetic Rudolf Heltzel has brought to jewellery design.
