Death of Desmond Guinness who helped save many historic Dublin buildings

Desmond Guinness, a descendant of Arthur Guinness who helped preserve much of Dublin’s Georgian buildings, has passed away aged 88.

Mr Guinness co-founded the Irish Georgian Society in 1958 to help stop plans to demolish Georgian houses at Kildare Place in the city centre.

The Irish Georgian Society became involved in numerous projects around Dublin and all over Ireland.

Some early preservations or campaigns in Dublin were at Mountjoy Square, Tailors’ Hall and Hume Street.

His conservation work was recognised by many American and English cultural groups.

In 1980 he was made an honorary Doctor of Laws at Trinity College.

In 2001 he was made an honorary member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland and was awarded the gold medal of the Eire Society of Boston.

In June 2014 he was awarded an honorary lifetime membership of the Royal Dublin Society.

In a statement released today, the Irish Georgian Society paid tribute to Desmond Guinness:

“The Irish Georgian Society has learnt with great sadness that Hon Desmond Guinness (1931-2020) has passed away.

“We are indebted to his legacy in founding the Irish Georgian Society in 1958, together with the late Mariga Guinness.

“He boldly championed the cause of Ireland’s architectural heritage at a time when it faced great challenges through neglect and the threat of demolition from new development.

“In spite of hostility in some quarters, through his ardent campaigning, educating and working to save numerous buildings we are surrounded by a rich legacy of historic buildings saved to be celebrated as an integral part of our culture and identity.

“He has inspired us all and, for the thousands of members and supporters of the Irish Georgian Society in Ireland and around the world, Desmond has truly been a Conservation Hero.”