A unique example of 18th century interior decoration recently discovered in Dublin may have to be covered over again due to shortage of funds for its restoration. The interior schemes, which include wallpaper more than 250 years old, wood panelling and ornate papier maché ceilings, were found at 10 Henrietta Street, originally built about 1730 for Luke Gardiner.
He was responsible for developing the north side of the city and making it the most fashionable residential district of the time. Number 10 and its neighbour are believed to have been designed by Sir Edward Lovett Pearce, whose other major buildings include the Bank of Ireland at College Green.
These two houses, and number 8, have been owned by the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul since 1899. In recent years, they have embarked on a refurbishment programme. Two of the properties house St Vincent's Trust, a charitable organisation working with socially deprived residents of the north inner-city.
The State has given €5.7 million and the nuns provided €630,000. However, number 10 is being restored to provide accommodation for elderly members of the order and the Daughters of Charity will have to fund the job, expected to cost about €2.5 million.
The original early 18th century decoration was discovered behind false ceilings and inexpensive wooden boards after builders had begun work on the house. The most substantial find has been in a first-floor drawing room which has expanses of a blue geometric design flock wallpaper, which paper conservator David Skinner believes dates back to the 1730s.
The same room also contains a mid-18th century floral flock border as well as 1730s wood panelling on either side of the chimney breast and a ceiling covered in rococo decoration made from papier maché.
Now however, it seems likely that the decoration of certain rooms, after being made secure, surveyed and photographed, will have to be covered over once again due to shortage of money.
The order received €20,000 from Europa Nostra funds but Sister Catherine Prendergast says it cannot afford to spend more money on a restoration scheme which is estimated to cost at least €250,000; the price of replacement wallpaper for just one of the drawing rooms is $150 a yard.