Glasshouses by Lambstongue

Our team has supported the repair and restoration of many incredible historic glasshouses across Ireland. We use advancements in technology that are sensitive to the historic fabric of each glasshouse, ensuring that these special buildings last.

History of Glasshouses

Glasshouses first appeared on Irish estates in the 1840s. They were introduced largely to meet demand for fruits (pineapples, melons and peaches) from warmer climates in colonised countries in wealthy North European homes. They commenced with Hot Houses that could be artificially heated, and developed at an almost industrial scale in estates like Bellevue in Delgany, Co. Wicklow with 650 linear feet of glasshouses. They were in essence a technological addition to the large estate that was lost when transport refrigeration was introduced.

Conserving a Glasshouse

The conservation of glasshouses is a lengthy and multi layered endeavour. When we come to a glasshouse we take days to carry out a detailed survey. We also carry out historic research of the property, the original glasshouse manufacturer and any other influences that can allow us to approach the glasshouse with knowledge and respect for the historic fabric.

Accuracy

We replace any compromised members with accurate pieces. This is the key – Accurate. We attend to the wrought and cast ironwork. We neutralise corrosion and weld-in new sections. We work with foundries in Ireland and the UK to reproduce the exact components – cast from the originals.

We seek out the correct glass cut into the correct shapes – whether that is curved glass for the domes or beaver tail for the ranges.

We attempt to conserve and repair the glasshouses so that they will last – using advancements in technology that are sensitive to their historic setting.