A Landscape of Delight
The Rotunda, Pleasure Gardens and Assembly Rooms of Parnell Square
by Graham Hickey, Dublin Civic Trust
Thursday 26th March 2015 at 6pm
Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Public Lecture organised by the Dublin Decorative and Fine Arts Society
Focusing on the origins of Parnell Square, this richly illustrated talk will highlight the establishment of the Rotunda Hospital and its innovative New Gardens, Great Round Room and later Assembly Rooms. It will explore the architectural evolution of this largely overlooked complex through an appraisal of the remarkable collection of 18th and 19th century structures, landscapes and decorative interiors that still survive today – mostly hidden in plain view. It will also question the future of this nationally important site and how it may be reinvented for Dublin in the 21st century.
Booking essential: dubdecandfine@gmail.com
Website: www.dubdecandfine.ie
Graham Hickey is Conservation Research Officer with Dublin Civic Trust, an architectural heritage organisation. A graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology and Trinity College Dublin, he holds a particular interest in the street architecture of Dublin and the planning and development of the capital. A contributing author to the recent Royal Irish Academy series on the Art and Architecture of Ireland, he is a regular speaker on Dublin’s architectural history and a feature writer on the built environment for The Sunday Times newspaper.
