Sunday 13 July 2014

Faces at the Window

Whenever, today, we are taking pictures of country houses or castles whether in ruins or not, it always arouses people's curiosity. They want to know what the picture is for or they may have some interesting story, whether true or not. It appears that nothing has changed in the last 120 years or so judging by the images below. The quality of the images in the collection of the National Library of Ireland is wonderful. Considering that these photographs were taken when the art of photography was in its infancy, it is truly amazing that a picture can be enlarged so as to see faces at the windows of these houses.


This image of the entrance front of Woodstock in Co. Kilkenny is from before 1900 as the statue of a classical figure can be seen in the niche over the front door. After 1900 this statue was replaced with a large granite urn.
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland

On the upper floor of Woodstock can be seen a face, as this was the top floor of the house it is possible that this person is a servant, as this is where their sleeping quarters were.
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland


The entrance front of Wilton Castle, in Co. Wexford between 1890 and 1900. The castle was designed by Daniel Robertson and built between 1837 and 1844 for Harry Alcock.
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland

When one enlarges of Wilton Castle the image, we can see this bemused man, little did he know his image was being captured for posterity.
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland

The departure of some Royal visitors after visiting the Dunravens at Adare Manor in Limerick in 1897
 Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland

A maid and other leans out through a first floor window to get a glimpse of the royal visitors below as they leave Adare Manor
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland

Clonbrock in Galway in the early 1900's
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland

In the days before Health and Safety, here we see two men who appear to be cleaning windows with no safety harness or ladder.
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland






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