19th August 2013
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Voluntary residents’ group, The Grange Frankfield Partnership, will
launch the much-anticipated Vernon Mount Lecture Series at Cork
City Heritage Week next week. The organisation, which represents local
residents’ associations, has gathered a number of influential and
expert speakers to discuss various issues relating to Vernon Mount
House, the Tramore Valley super park plans and the conservation of the
area.
“We are delighted to launch the Vernon Mount Lecture Series, which will continue
to highlight the significance of this incredible building, and also the stunning
environs that surround it,” said Ger Lehane, spokesperson for the
Grange Frankfield Partnership.
“We really want people to come along to these lectures and experience the rich
history and heritage of the area in which we all live,” added Lehane.
Landscape architect and conservationist, David Bosonnet will deliver
the inaugural Vernon Mount lecture entitled ‘Conservation and Vernon
Mount House – can the twain meet?’ on Thursday August 22
As a Partner at Brady Shipman Martin Architects, David has worked on
key projects such as the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, the Cork
South Docks Local Area Plan, the Shannon Free Zone Masterplan and the
Cork City Harbour, formerly Cork Docklands, plan and is passionate
about the conservation of Ireland’s architectural heritage.
Vernon Mount House, built in the 1780s, is one of the few remaining Georgian
mansions on the south side of Cork and is regarded as one of the most important
heritage sites in Cork. The Vernon Mount Lecture Series, which is
being supported by Cork City Libraries, will include discussions by
experts on the Art in Cork’s Big Houses, Gardens of Eden in Cork,
Cork’s Merchant Princes, and What Ordnance Surveys reveal about the
heritage and history of the area, to name a few. All the lectures are
free to attend.
“Following our campaign to highlight the plight of Vernon Mount and
the dilapidation and disrepair of the house while in private hands,
the County Council stepped in to re-roof Vernon Mount House, to limit
further damage and protect the house from ongoing weather conditions.
This was a very significant step by County Council, and we are most
grateful for their action and support of the conservation of this
house.”
As part of National Heritage Week, the Cork City Library network has organised
a series of lectures around the city examining different aspects of
the history and
heritage of the city and county. Admission to the lectures, including the one on
Vernon Mount, is free.
