1864 – The Guinness Restoration of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

A piece from the Irish Builder on the restoration of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the costs of which were born by Sir Benjamin Guinness who funded the restoration of the building between 1860 and 1865 at a cost of around £160,000. There was much discussion in the pages of The Irish Builder on the “restoration” as they referred to it. Guinness had an amateur interest in architecture and so offered to fund a full-scale restoration of the building on the condition that the governing body of the Cathedral gave him free rein to make whatever decisions he thought appropriate in the design of the building. Much of the work was carried out on the instructions of Sir Thomas Drew.

“OUR previous notices of the important restorative works in progress at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, through the munificence of Mr. Guinness, fully detailed the character of such portions comprehended in the general task (so nobly volunteered) as had been accomplished to the —and designedly so to admit of better judgment being formed from perfect development, and to present some new intelligence to our readers—it must be expected that very much more relative there to can now be recorded. We left the cathedral in May last, noting that the massive south wall of the nave had been just rebuilt, and the internal stonework of same partially completed; that portions also of the external stonework of the former and of the north wall of nave, including the flying buttresses of choir—which afforded such subject for criticism—were restored, and various repairs through out effected. But then the work of groining the nave ceiling-rendered more difficult owing to its trefoil outline, and the irregularity of the opens in the opposite walls—or the restoration of the south transept had not been commenced, and the rebuilding of the south aisle was only being partially proceeded with. All these, however, are now in a forward state, and in addition a south porch, 25 by 15 ft., has been built. The ribs for the ceiling of nave and their battened spandrils and soffets are all nearly ready for lathing, except at the western end where an impediment to uniformity of the whole may be presented, owing to the great perpendicular traceried west window rising several feet above the soffet of the ceiling, and which may possibly necessitate the removal of this window, and the substitution of one of lesser height. A question, we learn, has been raised respecting the trefoil outline having existed in the original ceiling which was destroyed by fire, but on what grounds we are at a loss to divine, as there exist on the north wall of nave, next the choir, distinct traces of same, and as a matter of course they were continued throughout that portion (at least) of the building. So far as this section of the work had proceeded, it is to our mind an unexceptionable evidence of skill, judgment, and fidelity; but we must await the completion of the plastering to realise our conception of the general effect. Touching this, we must digress somewhat to mention, that a correspondent (more presumptuous than learned in architecture) of the Athenaeum, in a recent fugitive sketch of this important national work, is pleased to conclude, first that he cannot “say anything in favour of the new work, the buttresses and general details being very poor; but is gratified at the evident care which has been taken to reproduce the old detail wherever it exists.”

Again, the same sage authority informs us, that “few architects of the present day understand how to execute vaulting, having learnt to entertain false rules as to its construction given in text books.” With reference to the first, we assume with some confidence, judging from the manifestation of spirit that prompted this restoration, that Mr. Guinness will be satisfied to consign to oblivion the memory of the slight so attempted to be conveyed, and to stand by the admission in qualification thereof, which must attest to his utmost wish “the fact, that he has not sought to be the innovator (as alleged), but simply the restorator,” as professed; and in the second, we rather prefer to hand the disclaimer over—for what it is worth—to the many architects here and elsewhere “of the present day” who build Gothic churches, and are enabled “to lay the flattering unction to their souls” that they do “understand how to execute vaulting.”

Viewing the south elevation generally, it—as do also the north, east, and west-admittedly presents some incongruous features, owing, as stated in a former article, to various innovations from time to time, and among the principal may be noted the difference in character of the aisle and clerestory windows respectively, the former being lancets with plain splayed jambs and hood mouldings, and the latter—of similar form, though not so tall-with columnared and splayed jambs and ornamental heads. The parapet of the one also presents the discrepancy of triple embrasures to the single of the other. In both instances, however, Mr. Guinness faithfully reproduced the features from models and photographs of the old work, and the only perceptible deviation or addition is the south porch above referred to, on the flanks of which the original form of aisle windows has been continued, and niched buttresses—proportionate facsimiles of those at south side of choir-introduced at the quoins. The south elevation of this porch presents a moulded and columnared doorway, 7 ft. in width, 8 ft. to springing, and about 13 feet in height, and immediately above is a triple trefoil-headed window, the whole surmounted by a gable of lofty pitch, with trefoiled opening in spandril near apex. The doorway is of suitable character, bold and effective, from whatever source the design may have proceeded; but the window above seems too short-a fault, perhaps, attributable to the level of the groined ceiling. The vaulting of the south aisle is being erected, also other works in connection therewith. The rebuilding of the south and part of the west walls of south transept is next in importance to the south wall of the nave, so skilfully completed; and from the modus operandi adopted, we have confidence in a satisfactory result. Already the external work of the adjoining aisles, and that portion of the west wall of transept taken date thereof; but as eight months have elapsed since our last visit down to level of triforium, has been perfectly restored, and the mullions and jambs of the great triplet window are fixed to the springing of the arches. Between this window and the buttress projections at either side, which contain stone staircases to the triforium, are two tiers of niches, and these likewise are completed.

There can be no question of the fidelity here observed in this great restorative work, though we may assume that even it will not escape the acrimony of captious critics. In the south transept are some remarkable monuments, and the original ball finial of the spire, as likewise its equally unlucky successor, together with portion of the original pulpit, here find a repository, more objects of observation, however, than of care apparently.

On a pier we note a tablet with the following inscription, no less remarkable as a specimen of the orthography of the age, than characteristic of the memorable divine at whose instance it was erected:
Here lieth the body of
Alexander McGee
Servant to Dr. Swift, Deane of St. Patrick’s.
His grateful master caused this monument to be erected in memory of his discretion, fidelity, and diligence in that humble station.

The fractional part of the year thus introduced would suggest a conjecture, either of an error of the sculptor or that the dean was uncertain as to whether the event recorded took place in the year 1721 or 1722. In recent excavations, close to this spot, some mortal re mains have turned up—and are still to view—which, though possibly erroneously, it may not be altogether unreasonable to assume were those of the person referred to.

We now conclude this notice, maintaining the conviction originally expressed, that taking in its integrity the great philanthropic work undertaken by Mr. Guinness, it is being performed in a manner as worthy of the beneficent intention, as it is creditable to the judgment, discretion, and fidelity of purpose with which the princely donor directs it, and is rapidly approaching a successful consummation, aided by the intelligence and constructional skill of his builders—the Messrs. Murphy—which does honour to the firm.

We shall complete our survey when “the Guinness restoration” shall have terminated, but the difficulty of defining that period may readily be inferred from the fact, that although the estimated value of the work to present time is some £30,000, it will most probably require a like amount to be withdrawn from the inexhaustible coffers of the most estimable ex-alderman, before the contemplated work shall approach its finale.