Irish Architectural Archive

Irish Architectural Archive
Formation1976
FoundersAn Taisce, Dr Edward McParland and Nicholas Robinson
TypeNon-governmental organisation
PurposeArchiving of architectural materials, museum and gallery
Headquarters45 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
Location
Region served
Ireland
CEO
Colum O’Riordan
Websitewww.iarc.ie
Formerly called
National Trust Archive

The Irish Architectural Archive was established in 1976 by Dr Edward McParland and Nicholas Robinson as the National Trust Archive.[1] Its objective is to collect and preserve material of every kind relating to the architecture of Ireland, and make it available to the public. It is based at 45 Merrion Square, Dublin,[2][3] and is an independent private company with charitable status.[4] The repository serves as the main collection of diverse materials pertaining to Irish architecture.[5]

Founded under the authority of An Taisce, the Irish Architectural Archive seeks to accumulate authentic or, if unavailable, replicated documentation of Irish architecture, with the intention of providing unrestricted access to the public. The expanding assortment encompasses many forms of material, such as publications, books, sketches, etchings, paperwork, models, images, and prints. The focus lies on the time span ranging from 1560 to the contemporary. The diverse records encompass a wide range of structures found throughout Ireland, including both stately and traditional structures. They provide comprehensive information about the surroundings and characteristics of these buildings. In addition to the reading and research amenities, the archive offers a duplication service.[6] The archive is an impartial entity that refrains from participating in any form of development or preservation disputes. In addition, the archive actively implements a policy of publishing and engaging with the public through programmes for outreach.[7]

As of 2020, Colum O'Riordan was the director.[8]

The IAA is governed by a Board of Directors, which is supported by a lay Community Advisory Group (CAG). Ruairi Quinn served as IAA Chairperson from 2020-2023.[9][10]

  1. ^ Dunne, Aidan. "Archives reveal recurrent nature of Ireland's housing crises". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  2. ^ "The Discovery Service". discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  3. ^ "The Irish Architectural Archive". Visit Dublin.
  4. ^ "About". Irish Architectural Archive.
  5. ^ Duffy, Patrick J. (2007). Exploring the history and heritage of Irish landscapes. Dublin [Ireland] ; Portland, OR: Four Courts. ISBN 978-1-85182-965-1.
  6. ^ The Irish museums guide. Dublin: Ward River Press in association with the Irish Museums Trust. 1983. ISBN 978-0-907085-55-3.
  7. ^ Robert K. O'Neill (1 December 2002). Irish Libraries: Archives, Museums and Genealogical Centres. Ulster Historical Foundation. ISBN 978-1-903688-30-4.
  8. ^ "Conservation Traditional Building Skills Register: The Irish Architectural Archive". Irish Georgian Society. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  9. ^ "Board of Directors – Irish Architectural Archive". Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  10. ^ Being Accessible: An Equality, Human Rights and Diversity Policy for the IAA (2022)