The focus of this project is the conservation of an important piece of furniture from the former thatched farmhouse at Belmont, County Offaly. The pre-1836 four-bay home, with bi-folding timber door and three timber sash windows has a remarkably intact interior. A large open hearth surrounded by settle bed and dresser in the kitchen with bedroom and parlour. There is an unusual chaise longue in the parlour which folds down to form a double bed, another unique example of ingenious space-saving design! Over time it has fallen into disrepair and with the support of Creative Ireland will be conserved by Andrew Whittaker Ltd., Antique Furniture Restoration. Works included consist of repair, polish and upholstering to restore the chaise longue and return it back to the parlour.

We invite you to Tullamore Library during the month of August for an exhibition presented by Rachel McKenna, Senior Executive Architect, Offaly County Council.

The exhibition is based on McKenna’s book Traditional Architecture in Offaly, History, Materials and Furniture 1800 to Present Day which features former thatched house at Belmont which houses the chaise longue under conservation.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.