Stoneybatter

THIS IS COWTOWN -236725-1

July 18, 2024 by infomatique

PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART ON MANOR STREET IN STONEYBATTER

I have had difficult photographing this in the past because of rubbish bags or other obstacles getting in the way.

Stoneybatter, particularly the area around Prussia Street, was historically associated with the nickname “Cowtown.” This nickname stemmed from the presence of the bustling Dublin Cattle Market, which operated in the area from the 1860s until 1973. The market played a significant role in the Irish agricultural economy, with millions of cattle, sheep, and pigs being traded annually. The sight of herds of cattle being driven through the streets solidified the association with “Cowtown.”

While many believe the name “Oxmantown Road” reinforces this connection, it actually has a different origin. It derives from the Viking word for “East,” referring to the “Eastmen” who arrived in the 9th century and established a Viking stronghold at the southern end of Stoneybatter.

The cattle market’s closure in 1973 marked the end of an era, and the nickname “Cowtown” gradually faded from use. However, the area’s rich history remains, and while the Cowtown Café is no longer in operation, its name serves as a reminder of Stoneybatter’s vibrant past.

DEFACED ARTWORK AND MURAL AT 30 MANOR STREET

April 6, 2024 by infomatique

LOCALLY KNOWN AS THE PIGEON HOUSE

The ‘Pigeon House’ of Stoneybatter: A Story of Decay, Art, and Controversy at 30 Manor Street”

Once a bustling residence and business on Manor Street, the building at No. 30 has now fallen into a state of disrepair, earning it the unfortunate moniker of ‘The Pigeon House.’ This dilapidated property has been a magnet for pigeons for years, causing a continuous nuisance for the locals of Stoneybatter.

Despite vibrant attempts at revitalisation through street art, both the building and its artwork have suffered from neglect and vandalism.

30 Manor Street has a rich history dating back to 1862 when it was the residence of James Campbell Moore, a clerk at the Landed Estates Court. However, the property has been plagued by a persistent pigeon problem since October 2020, when local media reported on a resident facing legal action for attracting an infestation of feral pigeons. The birds took up residence at 30 Manor Street, their droppings soiling sidewalks and nearby homes.

The property, which is currently for sale, was previously designed as a residential unit above a retail space. It requires complete refurbishment and boasts a large rear garden with potential for development. Despite its potential, the building has remained neglected since its sale in 2018.

Stoneybatter is home to an ongoing street art project, with murals appearing throughout the neighbourhood. Unfortunately, two murals associated with 30 Manor Street have met differing fates. ‘The Urban Living Room,’ a vibrant mural painted by Dublin-based artist Sorcha O’Higgins in June 2021, has been defaced by graffiti. The Dublin City Council plans to restore it [they have done so]. Additionally, French artist Claire Prouvost, known for her diverse styles, has contributed to Stoneybatter’s artistic landscape with a mural next to Rea auctioneers.

The saga of 30 Manor Street raises questions about the challenges of redevelopment, the protection of street art, and the management of urban wildlife conflicts.

For further insights into the pigeon problem, refer to the Dublin Inquirer article titled ‘In Stoneybatter, ambivalence about the Pigeon House.’ (https://www.dublininquirer.com/2017/11/15/in-stoneybatter-ambivalence-about-the-pigeon-house/)

STREET ARTISTS IN DUBLIN FACE A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES

February 28, 2024 by infomatique

STREET ART ON HALLIDAY ROAD IN STONEYBATTER

Halliday Road is a residential street located in the Stoneybatter neighbourhood, known for its mix of traditional cottages and more modern homes. Stoneybatter is a popular area with a village-like feel despite being close to Dublin’s city centre.

Two large-scale murals on the gable ends of houses in Stoneybatter were commissioned by Dublin City Council, and this is one of them. Unfortunately my view was obstructed by people and parked cars.

Chris Judge is an illustrator, artist, and children’s picture book author from Dublin, Ireland. Since 2011, Chris has written and illustrated over 35 children’s books, often collaborating with authors like Roddy Doyle, David O’Doherty, and Eoin Colfer. His first book, The Lonely Beast, won the 2011 Specsavers Irish Children’s Book of the Year Award at the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards.

Chris also creates large-scale artworks, most notably three large mosaics in collaboration with Triskill Design for Stanhope Street School in Dublin, Scoil Bhride in Kildare, and Mountrath Community School.

Street artists in Dublin face a number of challenges, including:

Legal Restrictions and Planning Permission: Dublin City Council takes a firm stance on street art, often requiring artists to obtain planning permission before painting murals. This can be a time-consuming and bureaucratic process, discouraging spontaneous expression which is a core element of street art. Occasionally, works are removed even if the building owner has consented.

Conflicting Views on Art: While many people appreciate the vibrancy and creativity that street art brings to urban spaces, others view it as vandalism or a nuisance. This can lead to tension with authorities and property owners.

Lack of Designated Spaces: Dublin lacks sufficient dedicated spaces for street artists to legally practice their craft. This leaves artists feeling limited and makes it difficult for them to showcase their work without risking legal consequences.

Competition: Dublin has a thriving street art scene. This fosters healthy competition but can also make it difficult for artists to gain recognition and stand out, especially for newcomers to the scene.

Economic Hardship: Like many artists, street artists in Dublin often struggle financially. Their art can be a source of income, but it might be inconsistent and unpredictable, especially if they face legal hurdles or lack of public recognition.

Initiatives and Organizations:

Some organisations are working to support street artists in Dublin and improve their circumstances. Groups like Subset advocate for greater acceptance of street art and lobby for the creation of more legal spaces for artists to express themselves. Such initiatives can potentially increase understanding and opportunities for street artists within Dublin’s community.

SALE AGREED FOR 30 MANOR STREET – WAS ONCE A SHOP BUT IT BECAME A MAJOR EYESORE BECAUSE OF NEGLECT

December 19, 2023 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED DECEMBER 2023

This was in reasonable condition when it went on the market but over the years it shows signs of neglect and for some reason it became attractive to pigeons.

The building is on Manor Street with rear access from Shea’s Lane the accommodation is currently described as residential over retail requiring extensive works to restore to a habitable condition.

Here is an optimistic description that I encountered: “30 Manor Street is a commercial property located on the main street in the heart of Stoneybatter, Dublin 7. It is currently for sale and is in need of full refurbishment. The property has a fantastic frontage onto Manor Street and also has rear access from Shea’s Lane. It has a large rear garden measuring 45 meters long with the potential for further development. The property is zoned for mixed use, so it could be used as a residential unit, retail space, or office. It is a great opportunity for someone to create something special in one of Dublin city’s most sought after addresses.”

More about the pigeon issue: www.dublininquirer.com/2017/11/15/in-stoneybatter-ambival…

SALE AGREED [30 MANOR STREET - WAS ONCE A SHOP BUT IT BECAME A MAJOR EYESORE BECAUSE OF NEGLECT]-226081-1

TWO MURALS IN STONEYBATTER

April 13, 2023 by infomatique

CHRIS JUDGE ILLUSTRATION AND TRISKILL

Two large scale murals on gable ends of houses in Stoneybatter were Commissioned by Dublin City Council and this is one of them.

Chris Judge is an illustrator, artist, and children’s picture book author from Dublin, Ireland. Since 2011 Chris has written and illustrated over 35 children’s books, many of which are in collaboration with authors like Roddy Doyle, David O’Doherty and Eoin Colfer. His first book, The Lonely Beast won the Specsavers Irish Children’s Book of the Year 2011 in the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards.

Chris also creates large-scale artworks, most notably three large mosaics in collaboration with Triskill Design for Stanhope Street School in Dublin, Scoil Bhride in Kildare and Mountrath CS.

Getting around the city was a bit complicated as Joe Biden was in Ireland this week.

Today I used a Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS lens which I do not remember buying and what is even more confusing is that I do not purchase anything other than full-frame lenses. Sony describes the lens as follows: This G Lens for E-mount cameras delivers stunning still or movie imagery with the flexibility of 6x power zoom. Maximum aperture is a constant F4 from 18mm wide angle to 105mm medium telephoto, with excellent resolution and contrast throughout. A lever and ring on the lens barrel allow zoom speed to be freely adjusted as required while maintaining a sure, stable grip.