MOUNT JEROME CEMETERY MARCH 2017
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Sir Richard Morrison (1767-1849) was a prominent Irish architect who left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries. His works, characterized by a blend of classical and Gothic styles, grace numerous public buildings and private estates across the country. This article delves into the life and career of Sir Richard Morrison, explores his family history, and examines the significance of his vault at Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin.
Family History and Early Life
Born in Midleton, County Cork, Sir Richard Morrison was born into a family with an architectural background; his father, John Morrison, was also an architect. While some accounts suggest he was initially intended for a career in the church, he ultimately followed his father’s path and pursued architecture. His godparents were Frederick Augustus Hervey, the Bishop of Cloyne, and Richard Boyle, 2nd Earl of Shannon, individuals who held prominent positions in society. These connections may have provided young Morrison with valuable social and professional networks that would later benefit his architectural career.
Morrison began his architectural training as a pupil of the celebrated architect James Gandon in Dublin. Under Gandon’s tutelage, he honed his skills and developed his distinctive style, which would later blend classical and Gothic elements. Through his godfather, the Earl of Shannon, he secured a position in the ordnance department in Dublin. However, he later abandoned this role to dedicate himself fully to his architectural practice.
In 1790, Morrison married Elizabeth Ould, the daughter of Reverend William Ould and granddaughter of the esteemed physician Sir Fielding Ould. The couple had at least four children, including William Vitruvius Morrison, who would later become his father’s architectural partner.
Architectural Career and Importance
Sir Richard Morrison’s architectural career spanned several decades and encompassed a wide range of projects, from public buildings to private residences. He was a leading architect of country houses in Ireland during his time, and his works are scattered throughout the country. His architectural style blended classical and Gothic elements, drawing on the traditions of earlier Irish architects such as Edward Lovett Pearce and Richard Cassels while adapting them to the Irish context. This resulted in buildings that were both elegant and functional, often incorporating distinctive features like elliptical entrance-halls.
Early Career and Public Works
Morrison’s early career involved modifications to the cathedral at Cashel, where he designed a tower and spire for Archbishop Charles Agar. He dedicated his pattern book, Useful and Ornamental Designs in Architecture (1793), to Archbishop Agar. This publication was the first of its kind attempted in Ireland, showcasing Morrison’s innovative approach to architectural design and his desire to contribute to the architectural discourse of his time.
He also designed courthouses in Carlow, Clonmel, Roscommon, Wexford, and Galway, as well as gaols in Enniskillen, Tralee, and Roscommon. These buildings reflect his understanding of classical principles and his ability to create functional and aesthetically pleasing structures that served the needs of the community. In Dublin, he designed Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital, a significant public building that showcases his architectural expertise.
Country Houses and Collaboration with William Vitruvius Morrison
Morrison was particularly renowned for his designs of country houses for the landed gentry. He often remodelled existing houses, adding castellated features to create a sense of grandeur and historical significance. Examples include Shanganagh Castle in County Dublin and Castle Freke in County Cork. He also designed a series of compact classical villas, including Bearforest, Bellair, Cangort Park, and Weston, demonstrating his versatility in adapting his designs to different scales and contexts.
From 1809 onwards, Morrison increasingly collaborated with his son, William Vitruvius Morrison. Together, they designed notable country houses such as Baronscourt in County Tyrone, Killruddery House in County Wicklow, Ballyfin in County Laois, and Fota in County Cork.
Later Career and Legacy
From 1807 to 1831, Morrison served as the architect to Trinity College Dublin (TCD). During this time, he completed the student accommodation in Botany Bay and designed an anatomy house, further contributing to the architectural development of the university.
In 1839, Morrison played a key role in the establishment of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, serving as its first vice-president. This initiative reflected his commitment to the advancement of the architectural profession in Ireland and his desire to promote high standards of design and practice. In recognition of his contributions to architecture, he was knighted by the Lord Lieutenant, Thomas de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey, in 1841.
Interesting Stories and Accounts
While specific anecdotes about Sir Richard Morrison may be scarce, his life and work provide glimpses into the social and architectural context of his time. His connections to prominent figures such as James Gandon and the Earl of Shannon highlight his position within the architectural circles of late 18th and early 19th century Ireland. His marriage to Elizabeth Ould, a descendant of a respected physician, further cemented his social standing.
After losing his position in the ordnance department, Morrison moved to Clonmel, County Tipperary, where he established his architectural practice. This move proved to be a turning point in his career, as he gained the patronage of Archbishop Agar and began to receive commissions for significant projects.
The remodelling of Shelton Abbey in County Wicklow in 1819 exemplifies Morrison’s ability to transform existing structures into romantic Gothic fantasies. This project, along with his other country house designs, reflects the prevailing taste for picturesque and historically evocative architecture among the landed gentry of the period.
The Sir Richard Morrison Vault at Mount Jerome Cemetery
Sir Richard Morrison died in Bray, County Wicklow, on 31 October 1849, and was buried in Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin. Mount Jerome Cemetery, established in 1836, is known for its Victorian funerary architecture and its association with prominent figures in Irish history. While the specific details about the design or appearance of Morrison’s vault are not available, its presence in this historic cemetery further underscores his significance in Irish architectural history.
Conclusion
Sir Richard Morrison’s contributions to Irish architecture are undeniable. His designs, ranging from grand country houses to important public buildings, shaped the built environment of Ireland during a period of significant social and political change. He was a leading figure in the architectural profession, contributing to the establishment of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland and receiving a knighthood for his achievements. His legacy continues to inspire and influence architects today, and his vault at Mount Jerome Cemetery serves as a reminder of his enduring impact on the architectural landscape of Ireland. His ability to blend classical and Gothic styles, his attention to detail, and his sensitivity to the Irish context ensured that his buildings were not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and enduring. He left behind a rich architectural heritage that continues to be studied and admired, solidifying his place as one of Ireland’s most important architects.