Dublin
Civic
Trust

This webinar explores the historic evolution, construction techniques and appropriate repair methods for traditional timber staircases of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Staircases are complex joinery assemblies that often compose the most important functional and decorative installation in a period building. Their architectural and structural composition evolved considerably over the period 1660-1900 in response to changing fashions and technological innovations. Stylistic development and mechanisation called for new approaches to wood turning, assembly and decorative enrichment, while the requirements of speculative builders and specifications for public and private buildings called for a varied use of materials and structural designs that responded to individual space requirements.

Traditional staircases are often poorly understood, regularly leading to partial or wholesale replacement during refurbishment works rather than considerate and usually more economical repair. This webinar, featuring four expert speakers with particular knowledge of staircases, including a joinery practitioner, cabinetmaker, conservation architects and researchers of the field, provides a unique insight into Irish staircase assembly and outline practical approaches to repair.

The webinar provides an invaluable opportunity for professional specifiers, conservators, historic building owners and managers, homeowners and interested members of the public to learn from histories and case studies that will chart common characteristics of Irish stairs, including forms and components, defects and approaches to repair. 

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Peter Keenahan, MRIAI, runs an architectural practice based in Kilmainham. Peter’s research interest focuses on the urban gabled house tradition and other early buildings of the 17th and early 18th centuries, on which he is currently co-writing a seminal publication for Dublin Civic Trust.

James Kelly, MRIAI, MRIBA, is principal at Kelly & Cogan Architects, a Conservation Grade 1-accredited architectural practice that specialises in the conservation of buildings primarily of the 18th and 19th centuries. James’s most recent projects include 3 Henrietta Street, 1 Capel Street and 18 Ormond Quay Upper.

Pat Lynch is director of Maclyn Conservation Joinery and is a joiner with over 35 years’ experience in conserving and restoring decorative and functional period joinery. His firm has worked on projects as diverse as 17th-century staircases to sash windows, doorcases and interior joinery from the Georgian period to the present.

George Williams is an antique dealer, cabinetmaker and conservator who specialises in the furnishings and interior elements of the Irish Georgian and Regency periods. His business George Williams Antiques is based outside Kells, Co. Meath where he offers a full range of antique restoration and upholstery services and also holds training courses on these subjects.