Mayo shopfronts talk - architectural legacy and survival

WHAT has the tomb of Alexander the Great’s father got in common with a traditional shopfront on Bridge Street in Westport? What connects an 18th century man from Summerhill in Co. Meath with the ruins of Palmyra in Syria and John O’Brien’s shop in Westport?

In a talk for Westport Civic Trust on Tuesday, January 14, in the Plaza Hotel, Westport, John Mulloy, a former lecturer in Art History at ATU and previously a signwriter, will explore how an architectural tradition from the ancient eastern Mediterranean region spread to the west of Ireland.

Driven by colonialism and the rise of shopping as a leisure activity, a range of new trade skills and practices developed, in particular signwriting, shopfitting and glazing.

Using local and national examples, the aim of this lecture is to explore the elements of the traditional shopfront and their survival, to enable a greater understanding and appreciation of our local streetscapes.

One of the notable attractions of Westport has been its old-style shop fronts and colourful streetscapes. Sadly in recent years there has been a loss and decline of much of this architectural legacy, possibly a consequence of the abolition of the town council.

Hopefully more knowledge will raise interest in its survival and encourage Mayo County Council to be more proactive in its conservation.

All are welcome - John’s talk is free to Westport Civic Trust members, otherwise €5.