The Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company was established in 1876 by a group of investors who wanted to build good quality housing at reasonable rents. It was not a charity but was aimed at providing accomodation for labourers and professionals. Arthur Guinness, grandson of the original Arthur who founded the famous brewing company was a sponsor and maybe for that reason many Guinness workers got housing in the artisans dwellings. The houses were transferred to a company called Folio Homes in the 1950's and many of the tenants subsequently bought out their homes.
Though modest, the houses are well built and much sought after because of their proximity to the city centre and to the Phoenix Park. They originally had the luxury (for the time) of an outside toilet in a walled back yard. Most owners have now modernized their houses and extended them by building a modern kitchen (and) or extra bedroom in the back yard. They only had 2 bedrooms originally and it's quiet a mystery how they managed to rear up to 10 or 12 children in these cottages! The Artisan Company also built what were known as "two up two down" houses in the Oxmantown area which I will feature later.
Though modest, the houses are well built and much sought after because of their proximity to the city centre and to the Phoenix Park. They originally had the luxury (for the time) of an outside toilet in a walled back yard. Most owners have now modernized their houses and extended them by building a modern kitchen (and) or extra bedroom in the back yard. They only had 2 bedrooms originally and it's quiet a mystery how they managed to rear up to 10 or 12 children in these cottages! The Artisan Company also built what were known as "two up two down" houses in the Oxmantown area which I will feature later.
5 comments:
Ah, these remind me of some similar houses, that are very popular in Danish cities and even the history is similar. They are called "city houses" an are very sought after as well today and very expensive, due to the location. The "city houses" also often have a small narrow garden, which is a luxury when you live downtown.;)
love the homes, bringing back memories of my visit. i was amazed how close to the road the homes sat
We used to have a similar thing, called 'back' houses because they were literally back-to-back. My friend's aunt lived in one. It was so small they had to move the settee to go upstairs.
You're right about the size of the families brought up in those tiny houses .. I don't think I could have done it.
Thanks for the information about Picaso, I found it and have already started using it.
Interesting history about the cottages. People used to be able to get by with so much less space that we do today.
Hi,
that link no longer works. The correct one is http://www.humanities360.com/index.php/working-on-the-streets-of-stoneybatter-dublin-ireland-68219/
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