Re: Re: reordering and destruction of irish cathedrals – St Colmans Cathedral, Cobh

How fascinating, thanks very much for your extensive reply. Very interesting about the decendants of the Smyths!
It’s funny that the manner in which Edward followed Gandon round like a sheep was replicated with John and Johnston!

The early 19th century often comes across as so much more interesting a time to be working in architecture and sculpting – projects are much more varied in style and scale than the late 18th century – often ‘refinement’ commissions rather than grand set pieces as before; adding a new wing on here, an extension there, improving streetscapes with carved ornament and new bridges, statuary commissioned to fill empty spaces in public and private buildings, garden follies built, and of course a vast ‘building programme’ of Catholic churches and country houses post-1830.
Sounds a much more interesting time to be working as a prominant architect or artisan, and also why Johnston’s career/portfolio is so fascinating, esp as architect to the Board of Works – he crops up everywhere making well-considered changes to state buildings.