 |
Windows in O'Connell St
|
Decorative Exterior Plasterwork
In the 19th and early 20th
centuries an inexpensive way to give a building architectural presence was the
addition of decorative plaster mouldings.
Designs were made around windows and doors or pilasters and architraves
to form a shopfront in a hard-wearing cement render. Often, we have no details on the craftsmen
who carried out this work. One of the
most notable Irish craftsmen who specialized in decorating the exterior of
buildings was Pat McAuliffe of Listowel.
The only example of this style is the Dungarvan coat of arms on the
upper façade of what is now James Mans Shop at 2 Main Street. In Dungarvan craftsmen we know of include
Butler, Markley and Riordan. Michael Markley is described in the 1911 census as
aged 58 and living at 13 Nicholas Street and his profession is noted as ‘Slater
& Plasterer’. He may have been
responsible for one of the most decorative plaster facades in Dungarvan - now
Browne’s Townhouse in Mitchel Street.
The design incorporates a semi-circular arch with a honeysuckle design
over the entrance door and bold shouldered architraves to the windows and
pilasters with rusticated quoin stones to either side of the façade.
John Butler and family carried out internal decorative
stucco work such as the ceiling and cornice in the Friary church in the 19th
century and also the exterior work on the façade of the old Town Hall in St
Augustine Street c.1910.
Elaborate decorative window surrounds can be seen on
the upper floors of buildings in O’Connell Street. Later plasterwork in a robust style can be
seen on the façade of the house built at the corner of Main Street and Friary
Street by the Moloney family in 1903.
The contractor was Dan Stokes. It is a tribute to the craftsmen that
much of this decorative work still survives in good condition on buildings
throughout the town.
 |
Priory House
|
 |
| Drawing by W. Fraher of window details Priory House |
 |
Priory House Doorway
|
 |
Drawing by W. Fraher of Brownes House, Mitchel St.
|
 |
Plaster Consoles Mary St.
|
