Historical and architectural
information
The architect who designed Carlow courthouse - William Vitruvius
Morrison - came from a highly talented architectural lineage being the
son of Sir Richard Morrison who had, during his career, been knighted
for his architectural achievements and became the most influential
architect of his time. Sir Richard had studied under none other than
James Gandon and both himself and another architect, Johnston, inherited
the practise when Gandon died. William followed in his fathers
footsteps, and indeed lived up to the high hopes placed on him. He was
something of a child prodigy for there is an account of when his father
was asked to provide a suitable covering for Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry of a
fashionable mantle, so that its owners could call it a "castle" -
William Vitruvius, then only fifteen years of age furnished the design.
He is described as being perhaps more gifted than his father and his
output of work also included the classical courthouse at Tralee. William
was to suffer from prolonged bouts of ill-health however, and sadly died
before his father at the young age of 44 in 1838.
The architecture of Carlow courthouse itself offers a lavish and
imposing external architecture which later courthouses were not to
incorporate due in large part to the very high costs of such extravagant
designs. It is built in ashlar granite and the front aspect highlights
Morrisons style of Greek revivalist architecture - with a projecting
central block screened by a portico with 8 Ilyssus style Ionic columns
set above a grand flight of steps.
Internally, Morrison's design bears little resemblance to his
father's style - or any of the Gandonian tradition. Gandon and his
followers would have started with a hall out of which would open the
courts (the best example being the Four Courts) whereas Morrison started
from the outside and worked inwards. He provided two D shaped courtrooms
to the left and right and these, coupled with the rectangular block of
offices at the back, form a huge cross-shape.
The lighting in Carlow Courthouse is an example of the genius of
Morrison in designing a method of sufficient lighting for the building
by natural means, as electrical lighting was not available at the time.
The back block of offices are all lit by wide and tall rectangular
glazed traditional casement windows. Similar windows are in place on
each face of the polygonally shaped central structure. Morrison's genius
is really captured in the centre of the building where, at the heart of
it all is a square which is primarily a light-well, since the principal
sources of light for the two courtrooms are giant inward-facing
lunettes. All of this central section is lit brilliantly by a number of
symmetrically placed skylights
Carlow people hug the tradition that the courthouse was really
intended for Cork, but that the plans got mixed up to the advantage of
Carlow. The building cost £30,000 to build which was a small fortune in
the early 19th century but the amount is hardly surprising given the
brilliance of the design and the lavish features which it includes.
The cannon which stands at the top of the courthouse steps is
intrinsically linked with the building in the minds of native
Carlovians. The cannon is a Russian gun, captured during the Crimean war
over 100 years ago. It was donated to the borough after representations
by the Town Commissioners of Carlow to the then British Minister of War,
the Right Hon. Lord Panmure, and it commemorates all those Irish
officers and men who died in the conflict.
Minutes exist of discussions surrounding the proposal for the project
by the Carlow Town Commissioners and the "Morning Post" carried reports
of the ongoing negotiations with the War Office during 1858 during which
they agreed to furnish a gun but reported that they were unable to
obtain a carriage and suggested that a suitable alternative could be
sourced. Presumably that course was adopted and later that year the
cannon, now disabled, were installed in its conspicuous position where
it has remained to this day never again to fire a shot in anger.
Refurbishment
By the 1990's, Carlow Courthouse was showing its age and it was
apparent to all that major restoration work would be needed in order to
return this majestic building to its former glory. An examination of the
building identified a number of serious building defects, including
dry-rot in roof and floor timbers, together with rising and penetrating
dampness and consequent wet-rot and woodworm.
Careful surveying and historical analysis were undertaken as part of
an overall conservation study prior to design phase. This included an
evaluation of the existing architectural spaces and features within the
building with a view to their conservation. The plan of work for the
building was prepared in accordance with conservation guidelines and in
consultation with the Heritage Council.
The challenge of the project of the project was to conserve as much
of the original building fabric whilst undertaking the necessary repairs
and improvements. The use of traditional building skills was considered
essential to the project and these included specialist joiners,
carpenters, stonemasons and plasterers - the latter being responsible
for the re-rendering of the rear return in lime sand render.
A further phase yet to be undertaken involves the restoration of the
magnificent iron railings which surround the site, together with the
re-landscaping of the grounds and the provision of additional parking
facilities. The railings stand high on a limestone base and are topped
by replicas of the ancient Roman axe, the fasces, the Roman symbol of
Justice.
The works which have been undertaken have achieved considerably
improved and enhanced courtroom facilities in Carlow whilst restoring
this most worthy and significant historic building. The Minister for
Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. John O'Donoghue T.D.,officially
opened the refurbished Carlow courthouse on Thursday 21st March 2002.
Visit:
COURTHOUSE ARCHIVES
Source:
The Courts Service
Carlow courthouse brochure.pdf
