Vernon Mount Lecture Series Launches at Cork Heritage Week

Vernon Mount Lecture Series Launches at Cork Heritage Week

Grange Frankfield Partnership Announce Lecture Series

Voluntary residents’ group, The Grange Frankfield Partnership, will launch the much-anticipated Vernon Mount Lecture Series at Cork City Heritage Week next week. The organisation, which represents local residents’ associations, has gathered a number of influential and expert speakers to discuss various issues relating to Vernon Mount House, the Tramore Valley super park plans and the conservation of the area.

“We are delighted to launch the Vernon Mount Lecture Series, which will continue to highlight the significance of this incredible building, and also the stunning environs that surround it,” said Ger Lehane, spokesperson for the Grange Frankfield Partnership.

“We really want people to come along to these lectures and experience the rich history and heritage of the area in which we all live,” added Lehane.

Landscape architect and conservationist, David Bosonnet will deliver the inaugural Vernon Mount lecture entitled ‘Conservation and Vernon Mount House – can the twain meet?’ on Thursday August 22nd at 7pm in Douglas Library.

As a Partner at Brady Shipman Martin Architects, David has worked on key projects such as the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, the Cork South Docks Local Area Plan, the Shannon Free Zone Masterplan and the Cork City Harbour, formerly Cork Docklands, plan and is passionate about the conservation of Ireland’s architectural heritage.

Vernon Mount House, built in the 1780s, is one of the few remaining Georgian mansions on the south side of Cork and is regarded as one of the most important heritage sites in Cork. The Vernon Mount Lecture Series, which is being supported by Cork City Libraries, will include discussions by experts on the Art in Cork’s Big Houses, Gardens of Eden in Cork, Cork’s Merchant Princes, and What Ordnance Surveys reveal about the heritage and history of the area, to name a few. All the lectures are free to attend.

“Following our campaign to highlight the plight of Vernon Mount and the delapidation and disrepair of the house while in private hands, the County Council stepped in to re-roof Vernon Mount House, to limit further damage and protect the house from ongoing weather conditions. This was a very significant step by County Council, and we are most grateful for their action and support of the conservation of this house.”

As part of National Heritage Week, the Cork City Library network has organised a series of lectures around the city examining different aspects of the history and heritage of the city and county. Admission to the lectures, including the one on Vernon Mount, is free.