In the 1830s the Port of Kingstown was built as a ‘Harbour of Refuge’ for sailing ships waiting to enter the Port of Dublin. The bar across the mouth of the Liffey and treacherous currents meant that there were restrictions on ships entering Dublin Port. This resulted in hundreds of Naval and Merchant ships waiting in Kingstown Harbour for an opportune moment to enter Dublin Port.
It was seen as important that a Church should be built to look after the spiritual needs of the Officers and Sailors. In 1837 the Mariners Church was built and the spire was added around 1840. The church retains many of the original features, including the prisoners docks in the gallery and the magnificent stained glass windows.
In the mid-20th century the congregation dwindled and the Church closed in 1971. The property was then leased from the Representative Church Body by the Maritime Institute for use as a Museum, which opened in 1976. Recently the Freehold of the Mariners Church has been purchased.
The restoration, of course, had to begin with the submission of a business plan to the Taoiseach’s office where substantial funding was authorised by the Government; restoration architect David Slattery was engaged to oversee the work, John Sisk & Son awarded the contract, and work began in the autumn of 2006.
Phase one, completed at the end of 2007, included almost complete replacement of the entire roof, re-pointing and cleaning of the granite stonework and new guttering and down-pipes, as well as repair of the Victorian stained-glass windows. This was done by Sheridan Stained Glass Creations Ltd., who removed the glass from the frames, cleaned and reassembled them at their studios, whilst renovating the frames so they would be water-tight: then the cleaned glass was refitted. The old leaking frames had resulted in damaged internal wood- and plaster-work. Now, however, the restored glass is protected by ultra violet screens, so not only looks beautiful but is protecting the artifacts and pictures from damaging sunlight.
The original granite stonework, originally quarried from Dalkey Hill over one hundred and seventy years ago, was dull and stained. After re-pointing and cleaning, it sparkles with fresh vigour. The spire and tower – a later addition to the church and a bit of a landmark in the locality – are back to pristine condition.
Phase two began in January this year with the arrival of Messers Doyle Contractors, and concentrated on the internal plasterwork – all of which had been damaged by damp – and the removal and repair of decayed timber-work like the timber ceiling and all upright internal wooden structures. Suitable modern materials compatible with the original structure will replace anything that’s not repairable. Also, there was plenty of repainting to do – walls and woodwork.
Of course, the preparation before any work started was wide-ranging: artifacts removed from the ground floor and main body of the museum and the provision of dust-proof areas in the basement; and the Bailey Optic had to be boxed and dust-proofed in situ, for instance. It was a good opportunity to photograph all the models, artifacts and pictures and update the museum’s inventory, so that was done. Then, the main floor was covered in visqueen and hardboard to protect it from the scaffolding – necessary to reach the 80ft ceiling – so steel jacks were installed in the basement to support the main floor. Phase two should be finished by autumn 2008.
Finally, phase three: installation of heating, new access and toilet facilities for the disabled, new lighting to current museum standards, modern displays, and a lift from the basement to the gallery. It is also hoped to provide a lift to the bell tower to allow panoramic views of the harbour, seafront and Dublin Bay. In the basement, workshops and climate controlled storage rooms will be created, with extra exhibition spaces and meeting rooms, including the library. However, the basement floor level will have to be lowered to comply with Health & Safety and building regulations.
It is hoped to make provision for a coffee shop or small restaurant to be attached to the new museum, together with a children's corner. Seating and a small stage will be installed on the ground floor for concerts and lectures.
More information but not the most exciting website is here and more details from architectural perspective here
