'James Joyce House' opens on 15 Usher's Quay
15 Usher's Island, the house where James Joyce's famous short story, 'The Dead' was set, has been restored to its former Victorian splendour.
The 'James Joyce House' was officially opened on the 6th of January and gives the public a chance to celebrate Joyce's famous literary masterpiece,The Dead. The Dead tells of a turn of the century Christmas dinner party given by the main character, Gabriel Conroy's grand aunts, for a small number of friends and family. The dinner recreates all the little joys and tragedies of a more refined Victorian era that Joyce felt was slowly slipping away. That Victorian era is now lovingly recreated in this newly restored house on Usher's Quay.
The restoration of the house took four years as the owners of 15 Usher's Island worked to return the house to its original glory of 1904. The back wall had to be rebuilt, a new foundation had to be inserted, the missing upper floors and roof had to be erected and extensive work needed to be done to the houses interiors. Mr. Arden Gantley, the Art Director from John Huston's film adaptation of The Dead, advised on the restoration of the rooms to their original Victorian style. The restoration of this literary landmark was completed just in time for the story's 100th anniversary and the Rejoyce 2004 celebrations.
The James Joyce House was officially opened on the 6th of January with the 'Dinner of the Century'. Guests dressed up in Victorian style evening wear and enjoyed a candle lit dinner in true Joycean fashion. This Christmas feast included goose, peppered ham and spiced beef with potatoes followed by small chocolates, fruit and a Christmas pudding with helpings of custard. A series of 'Friends of Joyce' dinners are being organised so members of the public can enjoy the magic of The Dead dinner in 15 Usher's Island. The evening comprises a drinks reception, a guided tour of the house, dinner in the 'Joyce Dinning Room' and after dinner drinks and entertainment in the Drawing room.
The James Joyce House of The Dead will be opened to the public for a unique chance to see the restoration of this architectural treat with tours starting at 2pm on Saturdays. The house also features a gallery that was established on the ground floor to cater for exhibitions from famous and emerging talent. For more information on the gallery see 15 Ushers Quay . For more information on The James Joyce House or to book a dinner party or see a cultural event, check out www.jamesjoycehouse.com.
James Joyce House
15 Usher's Island
Dublin 8
Tel : +353 (0) 86 163 5285
