The Drawing Room…
Getting a chance to look behind grand Georgian doors not usually open to the public is my idea of heaven. There are many incredible interiors around Dublin that we simply don’t get to see, making them, in my opinion, the most intriguing. I was delighted to happen upon @thedrawingroom, a PHD project and labour of love of Architecture student Aine Nic an Riogh, who is creating a series of concerts this autumn in some of Dublin’s most mysterious and beautiful and romantic homes- 12 Henrietta Street. I had the pleasure of walking about this special house, the location for her forthcoming musical soiree, taking in its unique atmosphere (see photos below) and also chatting with Aine about how these rooms are going to be filled with music this October…
Tell me a little about @TheDrawingRoom?
@TheDrawingRoom is an exciting new festival designed to develop the public’s awareness of architecture, culture and heritage through a series of events in some of Dublin’s finest Georgian town houses. It aims to provide an alternative to the concert hall or gallery setting for audiences to enjoy music and art.
What’s happening at No. 12 Henrietta Street this autumn?
To launch @TheDrawingRoom, I am holding a multi-disciplinary exhibition in No.12 Henrietta Street. For this exhibition I am showcasing contemporary artworks in one of Dublin’s finest Georgian houses during Open House Weekend from 4th-6th of October. Exhibitors include: Multimedia installation, Pierre Jolivet as Pacific 231, Photography by Fiona Hackett, Ceramics by Claudia Stedmond, Painting by Hugh Madden, Architecture-Practice, Furniture design by Alan Meredith, Photography by Aoife O’Sullivan and Janet Williams.
What moves you most about architecture?
I love the qualities of space that can be created, how light bounces and reflects, how a space sounds, its atmosphere. I love the tactile quality of materials; the feel of board-marked concrete, or stone walls, a smooth wooden handrail, or polished steel.
How does music inspire in this context?
Drawing rooms of 18th century grand houses, both town and country, were designed for entertaining, and so are wonderful venues for musical events. The atmosphere and quality of these rooms add to a performance, indeed, much of the popular classical chamber music we hear was written specifically for domestic rooms like these . Small intimate concerts in these rooms reflect events that were held in the past, it is great to retain this tradition of music and entertainment in the drawing room. The atmosphere and quality of these rooms add to a performance, indeed, much of the popular classical chamber music we hear was written specifically for domestic rooms like these.
What do you aim to do with music & architecture? And why is this important for people now?
At the moment I am building an archive of room acoustics. In general, historical buildings are well documented and recorded visually, however, it is rare that the acoustic qualities of a room are documented. The room acoustics of many of these rooms are particularly special. I feel that this archive will be very useful in the future, particularly if the original room is lost. These room characteristics could also be used by music producers to add ambiance to albums recorded in a studio.
What can we expect from your musical evening at 12 Henrietta Street?
A great venue, an excellent performance, a glass of wine and a chance to relax for an afternoon or evening. Previously, I have held classical concerts, however for this festival I am going to incorporate various musical styles. Our opening event in October has a multimedia installation from experimental musician Pacific 231. In November I will host a jazz night with the Mike Nielsen Quartet, and in April I will have classical music from the Martello Piano Trio. These are small intimate events, enjoyable and relaxing. We are moving away from the concert hall and being welcomed into private homes instead. The events have been a great success so far and I hope that people will continue to enjoy them.
@thedrawingroom is a multi-disciplinary exhibition in No.12 Henrietta Street, Dublin this October showcasing during Open House Weekend from 4th-6th of October. This beautiful project deserves to be heard, please help fund-it!
See more information about @thedrawingroom project here
