The ceiling of the former dining room at Townley Hall, County Louth, a masterpiece of neo-classical architecture designed by Francis Johnston c.1794 for his well-informed patron Blayney Townley Balfour. Very spare, very pure, this is design at its most ascetic and at the same time most refined. (For more information on Townley Hall, and especially its matchless staircase, see Là, tout n’est qu’ordre et beauté*, June 10th 2013)
That oak leaf pattern is perfection. I wonder why it’s not more common, or perhaps it is and I just haven’t seen it elsewhere. Too bad the chandelier is missing, though it makes looking at the exquisite plasterwork easier. The images you post never fail to inspire.
Thank you for your comment. Yes, the ring of oak leaves is rather lovely, and not particularly common but perhaps rarity is what made you appreciate its qualities? The dining room at Townley Hall underwent refurbishment last year, with the original window glazing bars cleaned and so forth: the effect is to make the space’s purity all the more evident.
My first time to your blog and what a surprise! I’ve visited Dublin twice and other parts of Ireland many times more but how wonderful to find a blog that does more than tout the kissing of the Blarney Stone. In the last 30 minutes of reading your posts I’ve learned more about Ireland than I did on all my trips combined. Thanks so much for your hard work. I’ll be back
Thank you for writing and for your kind comments. Do come back, as I hope there will be much more to hold your interest.
Thank you for getting in touch and for your complimentary remarks which are much appreciated. And yes, do please come back, often, and do encourage other people to visit the site and see that there is more to Ireland than the Blarney Stone (splendid as this is…)