Custom House...

What I miss about home is Custom House... built in the 18 century, Custom House is one of James Gandons most important works as an architect. It is an iconic building that stands on the north side of the River Liffey. Its grand facade is a reminder of Georgian Dublin past; ironic that it now looks over to the New Dublin on the south side of the river.
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Custom House #1

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Custom House #2

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Custom House #3

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The original Gandon interior was destroyed by fire in the 1921 Rising.

These shots were taken on an old Lomo LC-A film camera, one evening a long time ago. The film was Ilford XP2 Super, a chromogenic film that I had processed as colour, hence the sepia tone. This is how the shots were printed - no manipulation whatsoever!

Carlisle pier, Dun Laoghaire

What I miss about home is... the Carlisle Pier in Dun Laoghaire, it was used by the mailboat which sailed between Dún Laoghaire and Holyhead. The pier was built between 1855 and 1859 I believe, and I am told was named after the Earl of Carlisle, the then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

Carlisle Pier #1

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Carlisle Pier #2

The trains from Dublin used to come into this siding. I remember it as a kid; they seemed full of potential - I always wanted to know where the people were going. The reality is they were leaving Ireland to seek their fortune over here in England.

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Carlisle Pier #3

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The terminal building is a 1960's design and was closed in 1980. The demolition began in 2009, but I am not sure if it has been fully demolished - I haven't been home in a while.

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Carlisle Pier #4

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Carlisle Pier #5

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Carlisle Pier #6

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All that is left of the Victorian age is the cast iron columns that still hold up wrought iron trusses as they look longingly over to what has replaced them. I can't help thinking that the new terminal doesn't have the same presence as the old one...

The Doors

What I miss about home is... Georgian Doors. The country is full of this wonderful aspect of Georgian architecture. What draws me to them in particular is the intricate design of the fanlights. Wonderful circular, elliptical, square even, windows with delicate timber beading; the only light that was let into the entrance halls of the great town houses;

Georgian Doors #1

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Georgian Doors #2

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Georgian Doors #3

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Georgian Doors #4

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Georgian Doors #5

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Georgian Doors #6

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I always used to wonder what it must be like to live in such a house in Merrion Square, or Ballsbridge... Sadly now, a lot of them are offices or flats. Their past splendour is just that; past