Gandon, James

Gandon, James (1742–1823), the most important and influential resident protagonist of the neoclassical style of architecture in Ireland. A student of Sir William Chambers in London, Gandon established his own practice there in 1765. In 1767, in collaboration with John Woolfe, he began to publish a number of his designs in a two‐volume continuation of Campbell's Vitruvius Britannicus. In 1769 he was awarded the first gold medal for architecture by the newly founded Royal Academy. His first connection with Ireland dates to around this time when he obtained second place in the competition for the Royal Exchange building in Dublin. In 1781 he travelled to Dublin to supervise the building of the new Custom House and remained. In 1786 he replaced Thomas Cooley as architect of the Four Courts in Dublin. Other work in the city by Gandon includes Carlisle bridge (begun 1791), the east portico of the Parliament House (1784–9), and initial work on the King's Inns (begun 1800). Outside Dublin, examples of his work include Coolbanagher church and mausoleum, Co. Laois (c.1781–5) and Emo Court, Co. Laois (c.1790–1800). Gandon retired in 1808, handing control of his practice to his pupil, H. A. Baker.

Rachel Moss