House 16 welcomes Old Dublin Society

On one the of the finest summer days seen so far this year, ESBI opened the Red Georgian door of House 16, on Stephen's Green, to 30 visitors from the Old Dublin Society.

Adrian Sinnott, ESBI Facilities Manager, took on the role of tour guide for the afternoon when he welcomed the society on a walking tour of the historic building, which forms part of the ESBI Head Office complex.

Steeped in history, House 16 was built in 1776 by Gustavus Hume and then sold to David LaTouche in 1779. Later in 1881, the house was sold on to the Crown as a residence for the Archbishop of Dublin in lieu of the old Palace of St. Sepulchre in Kevin Street (now Kevin Street Garda Station).

The features and design of House 16 were of great interest to the Society as it retains many of the original features including: the ceiling inspired by Robert Adam, who was considered by many to be the greatest architect of the 18th century; wall plasterwork of Michael Stapleton, considered the most important Stuccodore of the Georgian period in Ireland, and beautifully carved architraves to the windows.

The visit was a result of a talk to Old Dublin Society by author Bryan McMahon on his publication, Eccentric Archbishop Richard Whately of Redesdale, who resided in House 16 for some years. ESBI Publishing Unit designed and printed the publication.

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