Sir, - Lara Marlowe's recent article on the Irish College in Paris requires some small comment. She mentions the first French architect, Belanger, in the 18th century and the architect who is now going to be in charge of the proposed £7 million restoration, David Slattery.
Mr Slattery is extremely highly regarded by architects and historians alike, if only for his superb detailed work on the Custom House. But he would certainly point out that he is not "the first Irish architect to specialise in conservation". Percy Le Clerc's work in the 1970s on Holy Cross Abbey and John Costello's Royal Hospital Kilmainham are but two examples.
Having mentioned the past and the future architects, it would have been fitting to refer to the architects who designed the important 1980s additions to the College. They were the late Albert Brady and his French colleague, Mario Jossa. I saw the wonderful result of their labours when I first visited there in June 1989.
At the formal opening of the College des Irlandais on October 7th, 1989, I was delighted to present a 14-inch diameter bronze bell to the chairman of the directors, Dr Frank O'Reilly, to be used in the college.
The proposed development of an Irish cultural centre in Paris is and inspiring prospect for everybody on the island of Ireland. - Yours, etc.,
Daithi P. Hanly, Architect and Town Planning Consultant, Dalkey, Co Dublin.