Survey Data
Reg No
50070212
Rating
National
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Blue Coat School
Original Use
Church/chapel
In Use As
Faculty building
Date
1770 - 1780
Coordinates
314418, 234559
Date Recorded
29/10/2012
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Attached three-bay double-height former chapel, dated 1773, having central pedimented breakfront to front (east) elevation, adjoining former Blue Coat School by screen wall to south. Now in use as President’s Hall, Law Society of Ireland. Hipped slate roof, square-profile rendered tower with copper cupola. Ionic pilasters flanking round-headed openings having timber sash windows to first stage of tower, oculi flanked by pilasters to second stage, carved cornices over both stages. Some cast-iron rainwater goods. Carved cornice, with modillions to front and forming triangular pediment over breakfront, to parapet. Ashlar granite to first floor to front, Portland stone platband over rusticated granite to ground floor, granite plinth course. Dressed calp limestone to other elevations, granite plinth course. Portland stone fascia with decorative swags over round-headed niches having carved Portland stone surrounds and keystones, flanking breakfront to front. Granite platband and cornice with Portland stone balustraded portions over ground floor. Square-headed recessed Portland stone fascia to ground floor of breakfront, blind Portland stone oculi niches flanking breakfront to ground floor. Render panels to upper part of side (north and south) elevations. Round-headed window opening to front, set within recess with carved Portland stone arch ring and keystone, cornice at impost level, stained glass window. Round-headed window openings to side elevations, carved granite Gibbsian surrounds, granite sills and timber sash windows. Square-headed door openings to north elevation, carved granite architrave surrounds and keystones, double-leaf timber panelled door opening onto render platform and three render steps to platform. Granite screen to north of chapel, carved granite cornice over, string course at impost level and plinth course, segmental-arched opening having carved granite voussoirs and surround, steel gate. Rendered walls to interior, timber panelled wainscoting. Barrel-vaulted ceiling, plaster boss to centre, moulded cornice with scrolled modillions and dentillation. Paired Corinthian pilasters supporting cornice over stained glass window behind altar, moulded surround to window, on apron having decorative swags. Balustraded gallery to rear, pedimented Ionic doorcase having round-headed doorway, double-leaf timber panelled door and fanlight.
Appraisal
This chapel was built to designs by Thomas Ivory, although original drawings reveal that these were not entirely followed to the interior, with only the gallery and paired pilasters flanking the altar ultimately executed. Artistic interest is provided by the stained glass window, by Evie Hone of 1936, which depicts the Risen Christ. The building contributes to the overall symmetry of the Blue Coat school, built as it is in the same style as the corresponding pavilion to the south. Portland stone detailing and decorative panels enliven the granite façade, the pedimented bay providing formal articulation. Differing treatments of granite to the front ensures this composition makes a strong impression on the streetscape.