An early 20th century house party photographed on the steps of Moore Abbey, County Kildare. On the site of a mediaeval abbey and from c.1699 home to successive generations of the Moore family, Earls (and for a period Marquesses) of Drogheda, the building is significant for being one of the earliest examples of the gothick style in Ireland: at the request of the sixth earl, in 1767 Christopher Myers ‘beautifully repaired the ancient abbey by enlarging the windows, placing a new roof, and recompartitioning the whole; preserving however the external walls and original form, except somewhat lengthening the eastern front.’ (Anthologia Hibernica III, February 1794) It underwent further alterations in the 19th century before being sold by the Moores in 1945 to the Sisters of Charity and subjected to much redevelopment. In this group photograph taken with the garden front as backdrop, the moustachioed gentleman sitting on the steps and holding a dog is the dealer and art collector Sir Hugh Lane. Next Tuesday, April 29th at 10.30 am I shall be giving a talk on Lane at the National Gallery of Ireland, focussing on his too-brief tenure as Director of that institution. Admission is free.
I would love to attend your talk on Lane but alas, I will be sitting exams on Tuesday!
Well I am sorry you cannot attend but wish you every success with your exams.
Hello, Can you please tell me who the people are in this photo. Is it Lord Drogheda and family with Hugh Lane?
Thank you for getting in touch. I believe that it the ninth Earl of Drogheda and his wife in the centre, background. The other persons (aside from Hugh Lane) I can’t identify for you, my apologies…
Thank you so much. Would you have a date?
I live in Monasterevin and I am fascinated by the aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries….in particular Moore Abbey and Emo Court.
I would suggest it is early 20th century, since Lane only began to spend time in Ireland after 1900, and the ninth earl died in 1908…
Thanks again