FRANCIS PLACE DRAWING OF DROGHEDA

The Society has reproduced a drawing by Francis Place entitled A View of Drogheda from St John’s Hill 1698, by kind permission of The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Francis Place (1647-1728) was a talented topographical draughtsman, printmaker and ceramicist, and was acquainted with the celebrated Czech draughtsman and etcher Wenceslaus Hollar. His works are in the collections of the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Gallery of Ireland amongst others.

The original drawing, in pen, sepia ink and grey wash, measures 36″ x 14½” (914mm x 368mm) and has been reproduced at almost full size, printed on 170 gsm paper. This is the largest of the seven known drawings made by Place on his visit to Drogheda in 1698 and by far the most detailed. The view, from the hill we now know as Ballsgrove, shows most of the circuit of the town walls with gates and towers intact. The Old Abbey (Augustinian Friary), the Magdalen Tower, St. Laurence’s Gate, The Tholsel, St John’s Gate, Millmount and the steeple of St. Mary’s feature prominently. On the horizon is the Maiden Tower at Mornington. The principal buildings are listed in a key at the top right of the drawing. Of equal interest is the dense cluster of houses focused on St. Mary’s Bridge, giving a fascinating glimpse of the pre-industrial town.

Cost: €10 for members or €15 for non members, postage and packing is an extra €4.80 (Ireland), €6.50 (Great Britain), €7.00 (Europe) or €8.00 (rest of world).

The print can be obtained from:

Kieran Campbell, 6 St Ultan’s, Laytown, Drogheda, Co Louth or louthontreas03@gmail.com