Herbert Ypma
Photographs by Barbara and René Stoeltie


During the late 18th century, Ireland experienced a genuine Renaissance. With the wars that scarred 17th-century Ireland behind them, the landed gentry spearheaded the founding of a considerable industry, dedicated to beauty in architecture, design and decoration.

Dublin blossomed, and in all disciplines of style, Ireland set extraordinary standards and achieved many world firsts. The first public building in the neo-Palladian style was in Dublin; copper-plate-printed fabric, marvelously decorated, was invented in Ireland; silver and cut crystal from Irish workshops were exported all over the world; and the Dublin Group of engravers became renowned worldwide for raising the printing technique of the mezzotint to dazzling new heights.

The unaffected simplicity and symmetry of the classical revival pervade the architecture of the era, from grand country manors, genteel townhouses and graceful villas, to simple rural cottages. With its seductive aura of dignified restraint and faded grandeur, Irish Georgian style elicits an instinctive approval today.


ISBN 0500 070202