Project overview
When it comes to investigating the work of an architect as well-researched as Robert Adam it is unusual for the results to be as exciting as those recently uncovered at Headfort. We have revealed a decorative scheme of highly unusual detail and colour variation – unlike that seen in any of Adam’s other works – beneath the cheerful debris of a busy boarding school. The results have stunned the heritage community, leading Eileen Harris, author of ‘The Genius of Robert Adam’ to describe the scheme as ‘unique, extremely interesting and very exciting’.
The six principal rooms at Headfort – the Stairhall, Eating Parlour, Saloon, Library, Chinese Room and Entrance Hall, make up the only suite of rooms by Robert Adam to survive in Ireland. However, long-term deferred maintenance due to lack of funds had caused problems. Severe water infiltration from leaky roofs and defective internal drainage had adversely affected the structure, and put the undocumented interiors at risk.
Sound structure first
The first priority for WMF Britain was the consolidation of the building envelope. We carried out structural repairs to the main roof and parapet coping as well as repair or renewal of all cast iron rainwater pipes and guttering. Scaffolding was erected in the main stair hall so that a condition survey of damaged areas of plasterwork could be carried out as well as subsequent emergency repairs. Thankfully the condition of the fine Adam rooms was found to be surprisingly good given their age.
Paint detectives
For the next stage of the project WMF Britain engaged the specialist conservator, Richard Ireland, to undertake what was expected to be a relatively routine investigation decorative scheme of the Adam rooms. Drawings from the 1770s still exist and illustrate the original designs for the rooms. (These are now in the Mellon Collection at Yale, USA, and formed part of a RIBA exhibition on Headfort in 1973). It was thought that Richard’s findings would reflect the scheme shown in these drawings, but this was not to be the case. Our initial findings have astounded us with a much greater degree of colour and variation being discovered than has been identified in any other Adam interior. The drawings at Yale gave little indication of the exquisite level of detail that has been uncovered. After reviewing these findings with other professionals, WMF Britain decided to embark upon a much more detailed and lengthy investigation to comprehensively identify the original colour treatment of the rooms.
Scaffolding was erected so emergency repairs and a condition survey could be undertaken
Recent investigations have shown that the original scheme was far more complex and varied than this Robert Adam drawing shows
Next steps
With the completion of this investigation we presented the results to the professional community at a seminar in London on 21st November 2007. The front running conclusion is that current decoration of the fine rooms at Headfort is a misrepresentation of Adam’s work, and funds permiting, our intention is to restore the original Adam scheme. This restoration work will involve the training of specialist decorators in specific skills, and will also improve educational access to the rooms. These may be some of the finest eighteenth century interiors in Ireland, and once restored will reflect the true work of Robert Adam for all of Ireland to enjoy.