Thursday 1 November 2012

James Franklin Fuller

& his work around Ballina, Co. Mayo

Errew Grange was constructed in 1872 by Granville Knox using the funds of his wealthy heiress wife. No expense was spared during its construction which led to Granville being declared bankrupt before it was completed.
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland

After the gas leak and fire in 1949, the house stood as a ruin for a number of years before its restoration began in the 1970s. Today the house is divided into a number of apartments that enjoy spectacular views of the nearby Lough Conn.
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks

After the departure of Granville Knox the, house was converted in to ‘The Lough Conn Hotel’ which was operated by Maurice Fitzgerald. He had hoped to attract English fishermen to the beauties of the locality but it is questionable whether the business was a success. The house served as a school between 1912 and 1916 after which it was again operated as a hotel until a disastrous fire in 1949.
 
Accreditation- The National Library of Ireland


Today Errew Grange has been restored and extended; its attic storey now includes numerous dormer windows which detract from the beauty of the original building which was designed by James Franklin Fuller.
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks

One of the more successful aspects of the restoration include this beautiful stained glass window over the front door of Errew Grange.
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks

 
The interior of Errew Grange was a gutted shell and has now been restored to a degree in a very enthusiastic fashion. The apartments never sold and now the building languishes waiting for a new use.

Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks



The interior of the nearby Mount Falcon is a more reserved and restrained affair as the building was always in use since it was built it retains it original internal features.
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The entrance gate to Belleek Castle in Ballina which was also designed by James Franklin Fuller in the 1870s, for another branch of the Knox family.

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The impressive monument design by James Franklin Fuller and erected over the grave of Arthur Knox Gore who died in 1873. It is surrounded by a waterless moat and a rumour persists that he was buried with his horse.
Accreditation- Photo by David Hicks