Sunday, 28 July 2013

The Metropole, Cork

I'm one of those people who will slow down walking to stare dumbly at a building for as long as possible. I've no idea where I got my love of architecture (especially opulent styles, preferably built before the 20th Century - the older the better), but it has turned into a slight obsession. So, here I am going to post photos and info on buildings that I get a boner from looking at.


Source: www.tripadvisor.com


The first is The Gresham Metropole on McCurtain St in Cork - every time I drive down the street I can't help but stare and try not to knock someone down. I love the windows and the turret and the red brick.
The Metropole was designed by Arthur Hill (born in Cork in 1846) and was opened in 1897. Originally, the ground floor was reserved for shops (two of which remain). The building was extended in 1910, where Hill added the corner tower along with the ceramic tile.


The Metropole pre-extension, c. 1900. Source: corkpastandpresent.ie


You may also be able to recognise other Arthur Hill buildings around Cork, for example the Crawford Art Gallery and the Crawford School of Science and Art. And I'm not really sure, but possibly the corner building on Bridge Street, the one with the red brick turret.

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