News Release:
AS MUCH TASTE AND MORE BEAUTY:
THE IRISH COUNTRY HOUSE REVEALED
A FREE SPECIAL EVENING LECTURE AT THE KIMBELL ART MUSEUM
FORT WORTH—-Robert O’Byrne, fine and decorative arts writer, Navan, County Meath, Ireland, will present a free lecture entitled “As Much Taste and More Beauty: The Irish Country House Revealed” on Friday, March 10, at 6 p.m., in the Piano Pavilion Auditorium. No reservations required.
Writing in 1792, the English judge George Hardinge declared of Irish country houses, “I see as much taste and as much neatness without and within to the full as in England, accompanied by more beauty.” From the dawn of the 18th century, Irish houses of exceptional character began to be designed and built across the country. While influenced by what was taking place elsewhere, they quickly developed their own distinctive characteristics and charm. Drawing on his wide knowledge of these buildings and exploring properties not widely known, Robert O’Byrne invites you on a journey of discovery into the unique appeal of the Irish country house.
Robert O’Byrne is one of Ireland’s best-known writers and speakers on the country’s fine and decorative arts. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including Luggala Days: The Story of a Guinness House; Romantic Irish Homes; and The Last Knight: A Tribute to Desmond FitzGerald, 29th Knight of Glin. O’Byrne writes a monthly column for Apollo magazine and is a regular contributor to both the Burlington magazine and the Irish Arts Review. Now retired as vice-president of the Irish Georgian Society, he is currently a trustee of the Apollo Foundation and the Artists’ Collecting Society. O’Byrne writes an award-winning blog dedicated to Ireland’s architectural heritage, www.theirishaesthete.com.