Leixlip boathouse
Leixlip boathouse
Boathouse Leixlip, in the Grounds of Leixlip Castle.
Client Desmond & Penelope Guinness
Conservation repair works to the Boathouse on the confluence of the River Liffey and Rye , in the grounds of Leixlip Castle. The works arose following the preparation of a conservation management plan funded by Leixlip Tidy towns and Kildare County Council`s Parks Department to see whether some future could be mapped out for its use due to the visibility and its iconic nature in relation to Desmond Guinness and the formation of the Irish Georgian Society. The client Penelope Guinness was anxious to insure a tribute to Sir Desmond Guinness while he was still alive ,though at the time in poor health. Kildare County Council and the Georgian Society provided grants to initiate the works which in turn helped to highlight a finding stream through the Irish- American Georgian society and the Bryan Guinness foundation. This funding allowed a lot of essential structural work to be completed. This works included the repair of the roof covering the removal of large trees to the base structure and the repair and stitching of the brick vaulted roof along with reform of the brickwork quoins and reveals. Following the recent death of Desmond Guinness his wife proposed the Boathouse as a very suitable memorial to his memory and or / reliquary for some of his ashes and these works are currently underway summer 2021, A memorial plaque is to be erected with the repair of the old fireplace and flue and the reinsertion of a limestone surround. The flooring and steps to the base of the upper storey have already been conserved. The client decided against any full restoration of the windows and doors to the building, though designs were researched and priced preferring the building to remain in communion with the sights and sounds of its riverine surrounds and as a place of contemplation for her husband.
Client Desmond & Penelope Guinness
Conservation repair works to the Boathouse on the confluence of the River Liffey and Rye , in the grounds of Leixlip Castle. The works arose following the preparation of a conservation management plan funded by Leixlip Tidy towns and Kildare County Council`s Parks Department to see whether some future could be mapped out for its use due to the visibility and its iconic nature in relation to Desmond Guinness and the formation of the Irish Georgian Society. The client Penelope Guinness was anxious to insure a tribute to Sir Desmond Guinness while he was still alive ,though at the time in poor health. Kildare County Council and the Georgian Society provided grants to initiate the works which in turn helped to highlight a finding stream through the Irish- American Georgian society and the Bryan Guinness foundation. This funding allowed a lot of essential structural work to be completed. This works included the repair of the roof covering the removal of large trees to the base structure and the repair and stitching of the brick vaulted roof along with reform of the brickwork quoins and reveals. Following the recent death of Desmond Guinness his wife proposed the Boathouse as a very suitable memorial to his memory and or / reliquary for some of his ashes and these works are currently underway summer 2021, A memorial plaque is to be erected with the repair of the old fireplace and flue and the reinsertion of a limestone surround. The flooring and steps to the base of the upper storey have already been conserved. The client decided against any full restoration of the windows and doors to the building, though designs were researched and priced preferring the building to remain in communion with the sights and sounds of its riverine surrounds and as a place of contemplation for her husband.
