THE CHURCH AND THE GRAVE

PHOTOGRAPHED IN MARCH 2017

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Note: The larger structure included in some of my photographs is the Cusack Family Vault.

The Ingram Memorial in Mount Jerome Cemetery
Mount Jerome Cemetery in Harold’s Cross, Dublin, is a testament to the passage of time and the enduring power of memory. Amidst its serene landscape and intricate monuments, the Ingram Memorial stands out as a striking example of funerary architecture. This report delves into the details of this remarkable structure, exploring its design, the family it commemorates, and the symbolism woven into its form.

The Ingram Family in Dublin
While the specific Ingram family associated with the memorial requires further investigation, research reveals several prominent Ingram families with ties to Dublin. This section explores their stories, offering potential connections to the memorial and shedding light on the Ingram family’s presence in Dublin’s history.

John Kells Ingram: A Scholar and Writer
John Kells Ingram, a renowned scholar and writer, left an indelible mark on Dublin’s intellectual landscape in the 19th century. Born in County Donegal in 1823, Ingram embarked on a distinguished career at Trinity College Dublin, where he served as a fellow and professor. His academic pursuits spanned economics, history, and literature, resulting in a prolific body of published works. Ingram’s connection to Mount Jerome Cemetery is undeniable, as he was laid to rest within its grounds in 1907.

Rex Ingram: A Pioneer of Cinema
Another notable Ingram with Dublin roots is Rex Ingram, a film director who brought stories to life on the silver screen. Born Reginald Ingram Montgomery Hitchcock in Rathmines in 1893, Ingram’s parents, Rev. Francis Ryan Montgomery Hitchcock and Kathleen Maria Ingram, were both Dublin natives. Ingram achieved international acclaim for his directorial work, with films like “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” (1921) and “Scaramouche” (1923) solidifying his place in cinematic history. Though his career took him to the United States, Ingram’s Dublin origins add another dimension to the Ingram family narrative. Further research into genealogical records and cemetery archives may unveil the specific Ingram family commemorated by the memorial and provide a deeper understanding of their history in Dublin.

The Ingram Memorial: Structure and Design
The Ingram Memorial commands attention with its distinctive architectural features and the enduring beauty of its construction material. This section explores the elements that make this memorial a unique presence in Mount Jerome Cemetery.

Portland Stone: A Timeless Material
Crafted from Portland stone, a fine-grained limestone quarried on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England, the Ingram Memorial embodies elegance and permanence. This choice of material is significant, as Portland stone has been favoured for monuments and buildings for centuries, renowned for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Its use in the Ingram Memorial speaks to the family’s desire to create a lasting tribute.

The significance of Portland stone extends beyond its physical properties. It has been used in the construction of iconic structures, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace in London. Even the Monument to the Great Fire of London, a towering Doric column, is built from Portland stone. This association with grandeur and permanence may have influenced the Ingram family’s choice of material, suggesting their intention to create a memorial that would stand the test of time.

Furthermore, Portland stone is the material of choice for Commonwealth war gravestones, including those commemorating British personnel who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. This widespread use in memorials further emphasises the stone’s association with remembrance and commemoration.

Classical Elements and Symbolic Features
The memorial’s design draws inspiration from classical architecture, with four fluted columns supporting a canopy and covering slab. Fluted columns, characterized by vertical grooves carved into their surface, are a hallmark of classical architecture, often used to convey strength and dignity.

The presence of ionic capitals atop the columns adds a decorative flourish, further enhancing the memorial’s visual appeal. Ionic capitals, with their distinctive spiral scrolls, are often associated with knowledge and wisdom, adding another layer of meaning to the memorial’s design.

Beneath the canopy, a Portland stone draped funerary urn rests on a pedestal. The urn, a classic symbol of mortality and remembrance, is draped with cloth, introducing a layer of symbolism. The draped cloth represents the veil between life and death, signifying the separation of the physical and spiritual realms. It also symbolises protection for the soul on its journey to the afterlife.

Interestingly, the use of a draped urn in the Ingram Memorial is notable because cremation was not a common practice in 19th-century Ireland. This suggests that the draped urn was chosen not for its literal association with cremation but for its symbolic representation of death and the soul’s transition to the afterlife.

Unfortunately, the research material does not provide information about the construction date or architect of the Ingram Memorial. Further investigation into cemetery records or architectural archives may uncover these details.

Symbolism of the Funerary Urn
The funerary urn has been a symbol of death and remembrance since ancient times. In classical antiquity, urns were used to hold the cremated remains of the deceased, often adorned with elaborate decorations and scenes from mythology. This practice reflected the reverence with which ancient cultures treated their dead and their belief in an afterlife.

While cremation was not common in 19th-century Ireland, the urn retained its symbolic meaning, primarily representing death and the finality of earthly existence. It served as a reminder of mortality and the inevitable passage of time.

The draped cloth on the Ingram Memorial’s urn adds another layer of symbolism. It represents the finality of death, the separation of the living from the dead. The drape also suggests a sense of peace and closure, as if the soul is protected and at rest.

In modern interpretations, urns are seen as vessels of memories, tangible links to the departed soul. They carry emotional significance, encapsulating sentiments and memories associated with the deceased. This contemporary understanding connects the historical symbolism of the urn with the personal grief and remembrance of those left behind.