THIS WAS PHOTOGRAPHED IN 2013
These photographs date from the first day of 2013 and I will will visit the park within the next few weeks to photograph the park as it is in 2024.I have visited at few times every year since 2000 and I will publish more photographs over the next few months as I work my way through my legacy catalogues.
Bushy Park, located in Terenure, Dublin, is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and a unique folly. While not as numerous as the follies found in St. Anne's Park, Bushy Park's Shell House is a captivating testament to the whimsical and ornamental structures popularised in the 18th century.
Follies were often designed to resemble ancient ruins, exotic temples, or picturesque cottages. They served as focal points within the landscape, inviting contemplation and sparking the imagination.
The Shell House, Bushy Park's most notable feature, was once adorned with thousands of seashells, predominantly cockles, meticulously arranged to create intricate patterns and designs. The shells were collected from various Dublin beaches, and their shimmering surfaces would have added a touch of magic to the interior of the house. While only remnants of the shells remain today, the Shell House still evokes a sense of wonder and speaks to the artistic vision of its creators.
The exact purpose of the Shell House remains shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have served as a place of leisure and amusement for the park's visitors. Its secluded location and ornate decoration would have made it an enchanting spot for picnics, gatherings, or simply a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Over the years I have noticed the green tint on old stone structures in wooded areas like Bushy Park and St. Anne's Park. There are a few reasons for this phenomenon:
Algae and Moss Growth: Damp and shaded environments like wooded areas provide ideal conditions for algae and moss to thrive. These organisms often have a green colouration and can colonise the surfaces of stone structures, giving them a green hue.
Lichens: Lichens are composite organisms made up of algae and fungi. They are incredibly resilient and can grow on various surfaces, including stone. Lichens come in a variety of colours, including shades of green, and can contribute to the overall green appearance of old stone structures.
Oxidation and Weathering: Certain types of stone, such as copper-bearing minerals, can oxidise over time, creating a green patina on the surface. Additionally, weathering processes caused by rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations can also contribute to the discolouration of stone.
Environmental Factors: The specific microclimate of a wooded area, including factors like humidity, sunlight exposure, and air pollution, can influence the type and rate of biological growth on stone structures, further contributing to their green colouration.
It's important to note that this greening effect is generally considered harmless to the stone structures themselves. In fact, it can even be seen as a natural and aesthetically pleasing sign of age and integration with the surrounding environment.
Bushy Park, located in Terenure, Dublin, is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and a unique folly. While not as numerous as the follies found in St. Anne's Park, Bushy Park's Shell House is a captivating testament to the whimsical and ornamental structures popularised in the 18th century.
Follies were often designed to resemble ancient ruins, exotic temples, or picturesque cottages. They served as focal points within the landscape, inviting contemplation and sparking the imagination.
The Shell House, Bushy Park's most notable feature, was once adorned with thousands of seashells, predominantly cockles, meticulously arranged to create intricate patterns and designs. The shells were collected from various Dublin beaches, and their shimmering surfaces would have added a touch of magic to the interior of the house. While only remnants of the shells remain today, the Shell House still evokes a sense of wonder and speaks to the artistic vision of its creators.
The exact purpose of the Shell House remains shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have served as a place of leisure and amusement for the park's visitors. Its secluded location and ornate decoration would have made it an enchanting spot for picnics, gatherings, or simply a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Over the years I have noticed the green tint on old stone structures in wooded areas like Bushy Park and St. Anne's Park. There are a few reasons for this phenomenon:
Algae and Moss Growth: Damp and shaded environments like wooded areas provide ideal conditions for algae and moss to thrive. These organisms often have a green colouration and can colonise the surfaces of stone structures, giving them a green hue.
Lichens: Lichens are composite organisms made up of algae and fungi. They are incredibly resilient and can grow on various surfaces, including stone. Lichens come in a variety of colours, including shades of green, and can contribute to the overall green appearance of old stone structures.
Oxidation and Weathering: Certain types of stone, such as copper-bearing minerals, can oxidise over time, creating a green patina on the surface. Additionally, weathering processes caused by rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations can also contribute to the discolouration of stone.
Environmental Factors: The specific microclimate of a wooded area, including factors like humidity, sunlight exposure, and air pollution, can influence the type and rate of biological growth on stone structures, further contributing to their green colouration.
It's important to note that this greening effect is generally considered harmless to the stone structures themselves. In fact, it can even be seen as a natural and aesthetically pleasing sign of age and integration with the surrounding environment.
THIS WAS PHOTOGRAPHED IN 2013