ABOUT THE ART AND THE LOCATION
About the Artwork:
Subject: The painting depicts the iconic Blackrock Baths, a beloved local landmark that sadly fell into disrepair and was closed to the public.
Style: Beatty's style could be described as realistic impressionism. He captures the architectural details of the baths while also conveying the atmosphere and the sense of loss associated with their closure.
Significance: This artwork serves as a visual reminder of Blackrock's rich history and its connection to the sea. It also highlights the importance of preserving local landmarks and the role they play in shaping community identity.
About the Artist:
Local Connection: John Beatty is a Blackrock resident with a deep appreciation for his local surroundings.
His wife's family grew up in Blackrock and has fond memories of swimming in the baths.
Motivation: Beatty was inspired to create this artwork during lockdown, rediscovering his passion for art and wanting to pay homage to the Blackrock Baths and their significance in the community.
Other Works: While information on other specific works by Beatty might be limited, his "Blackrock Baths" painting clearly demonstrates his talent and his connection to his local area.
This "Paint-A-Box" street art project is a wonderful initiative that adds colour and vibrancy to the streets of Blackrock, while also providing a platform for local artists like John Beatty to showcase their work and connect with the community.
Frascati Road in Blackrock, Dublin, is more than just a thoroughfare. It is a reminder of a grand past, of the magnificent Frascati House that once stood proudly on its grounds. Built in 1739, this Georgian mansion was a testament to architectural elegance and historical significance. The house was expanded over the years, notably by the Fitzgerald family (Dukes of Leinster) who added flanking wings and bay windows to capture the stunning sea views.
Frascati House was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a living chronicle of Ireland's rich past. It housed notable figures like Lord Edward Fitzgerald, a prominent figure in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The house and its surrounding estate were a haven of natural beauty and tranquility, a stark contrast to the urban sprawl that now surrounds Frascati Road.
In the 1970s, plans were announced to demolish Frascati House to make way for a shopping centre. This triggered a wave of protests from conservationists, historians, and local residents who recognised the immense cultural and historical value of the house. They argued that Frascati House was an irreplaceable part of Ireland's heritage and its demolition would be an act of vandalism.
Despite the passionate protests, Frascati House was demolished in 1983, leaving a void in Blackrock's landscape and in the hearts of those who fought to save it. The Frascati Shopping Centre, while a commercial success, stands as a constant reminder of the loss of a cherished landmark.
Today, Frascati Road bears the name of the grand house that once graced its presence. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle between preservation and progress, and the importance of safeguarding our historical and cultural treasures for future generations.
Subject: The painting depicts the iconic Blackrock Baths, a beloved local landmark that sadly fell into disrepair and was closed to the public.
Style: Beatty's style could be described as realistic impressionism. He captures the architectural details of the baths while also conveying the atmosphere and the sense of loss associated with their closure.
Significance: This artwork serves as a visual reminder of Blackrock's rich history and its connection to the sea. It also highlights the importance of preserving local landmarks and the role they play in shaping community identity.
About the Artist:
Local Connection: John Beatty is a Blackrock resident with a deep appreciation for his local surroundings.
His wife's family grew up in Blackrock and has fond memories of swimming in the baths.
Motivation: Beatty was inspired to create this artwork during lockdown, rediscovering his passion for art and wanting to pay homage to the Blackrock Baths and their significance in the community.
Other Works: While information on other specific works by Beatty might be limited, his "Blackrock Baths" painting clearly demonstrates his talent and his connection to his local area.
This "Paint-A-Box" street art project is a wonderful initiative that adds colour and vibrancy to the streets of Blackrock, while also providing a platform for local artists like John Beatty to showcase their work and connect with the community.
Frascati Road in Blackrock, Dublin, is more than just a thoroughfare. It is a reminder of a grand past, of the magnificent Frascati House that once stood proudly on its grounds. Built in 1739, this Georgian mansion was a testament to architectural elegance and historical significance. The house was expanded over the years, notably by the Fitzgerald family (Dukes of Leinster) who added flanking wings and bay windows to capture the stunning sea views.
Frascati House was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a living chronicle of Ireland's rich past. It housed notable figures like Lord Edward Fitzgerald, a prominent figure in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The house and its surrounding estate were a haven of natural beauty and tranquility, a stark contrast to the urban sprawl that now surrounds Frascati Road.
In the 1970s, plans were announced to demolish Frascati House to make way for a shopping centre. This triggered a wave of protests from conservationists, historians, and local residents who recognised the immense cultural and historical value of the house. They argued that Frascati House was an irreplaceable part of Ireland's heritage and its demolition would be an act of vandalism.
Despite the passionate protests, Frascati House was demolished in 1983, leaving a void in Blackrock's landscape and in the hearts of those who fought to save it. The Frascati Shopping Centre, while a commercial success, stands as a constant reminder of the loss of a cherished landmark.
Today, Frascati Road bears the name of the grand house that once graced its presence. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle between preservation and progress, and the importance of safeguarding our historical and cultural treasures for future generations.
ABOUT THE ART AND THE LOCATION