This stimulating webinar focuses on the life, work and active conservation of the legacy of the Irish architect Francis Johnston, one of the leading architectural and design minds of the 18th and early 19th centuries. His eclectic hand produced buildings countrywide in the neoclassical, Greek Revival and Gothic styles, manifesting as country houses, courthouses, churches, asylums and viceregal residences.

Born in Armagh in 1760, Johnston rose to prominence under the tutelage of architect Thomas Cooley and the patronage of Richard Robinson, Archbishop of Armagh, who provided him with multiple commissions and introductions to other influential clients. His later appointments as architect to the Board of Works and architect to the Commissioners for the Erection of Lunatic Asylums further widened his oeuvre, collaborating with his architect cousin William Murray on many projects. Johnston’s collection of paintings, sculpture, books, objets d'art and curiosities, housed in his home and in a purpose-built gallery on Dublin’s Eccles Street has drawn many parallels with Britain’s leading contemporary architect of the same period, often leading to the appellation 'Ireland’s John Soane'.

This webinar, consisting of three presentations followed by Q&A, is led by Michael Kavanagh, FRIAI, an authority on the work of Francis Johnston. As co-director of MVK Architects with Victoria Kavanagh, Michael has extensive experience in documenting, conserving and adapting one of Johnston’s most important works at Townley Hall, Drogheda, Co. Louth, where a complete measured drawing survey has been undertaken. The survey is the basis for current and future conservation work, as well as for informing a wider audience about this important piece of cultural heritage. MVK architects have led the restoration of the former Kitchen Wing to the rear of the house and its refurbishment as a large meeting room. A recent publication by the practice has also documented the breadth of Johnston’s wider work and his remarkable contribution to the field of architecture in Ireland.