Funding approved for St George’s guidebook
Funding has been approved under the Heritage Grant Scheme for the creation and publication of a new visitor’s guidebook for the Saint George’s Arts & Heritage Centre.
The project will involve the research, design, photography and publication of a guidebook for the iconic 220 year old building. The resource will support the promotion of the Georgian Quarter of Mitchelstown and enhance the tourism opportunities in the area.
Saint George’s, a protected structure and national monument, was built in 1801-1804 by Caroline, Dowager Countess of Kingston, and includes one of the oldest working organs in the country and a 33 metre tall steeple. According to the application to Cork County Council, this guidebook will educate visitors on the links St George’s has to the Aztecs and the Incas, Mickey Mouse, C.S. Lewis and even Afghan spies.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be just over €1,500. Funding of €600 has been approved, with the group to self-fund the remainder. It is proposed to compile, edit and publish this guidebook in time for National Heritage Week in mid-August, with a view to its long-term use by visitors and locals alike.
‘BUZZING’ INSIDE
The centre is currently undergoing significant renovation, that is progressing well despite the extremely delicate nature of some of the work. Bill Power, local historian and project chair of the restoration project, explained to TheAvondhu the nature of some of the most delicate work.
“It might look quiet on the inside, but it’s a buzzing with activity inside!”
“The oldest window in the building has extremely rare glass inside, we’ve been told that no Church of Ireland has a window like it. We have three specialist companies working on it, the work is so delicate and fragile. Some of this glass is 1mm thick, and goes back to the 1800s, but could be even older. Glass of that age doesn’t survive very well, of course. The work is challenging, but the people we have working on it are fantastic.”
“We’re delighted with the funding announcement. It gives us an opportunity to further enhance the experience, and tell people what the building is about.”
It is hoped that the visitor’s guidebook will be launched and used during National Heritage Week, and at a special event on Saturday, 21st August. Planning is at the very early stage, but it is envisioned to be a ‘ walk and talk’ of the building, and guests may be able to see parts of the building formerly closed to visitors.