raise awareness and appreciation of traditional shopfronts and vernacular signage in our towns and villages in County Donegal;
demonstrate the ways in which traditional shopfronts and vernacular signage contribute to the character, quality and attractiveness of place;
disseminate information and advice in order to encourage the preservation, conservation and enhancement of traditional shopfronts and vernacular signage;
promote best practice in the conservation of the built heritage of our streetscapes; and
convey the cultural heritage significance of our traditional shopfronts, vernacular signage and historical streetscapes.
Guest speakers at the free seminar will include:
Duncan McLaren, Conservation Architect, Dedalus Architecture who will highlight the elements and building fabric of traditional shopfronts in our towns and villages;
Collette Beattie, Conservation Officer, Donegal County Council who will outline the protection, conservation and planning measures in place for traditional shopfronts and vernacular signage in County Donegal;
Colm O’Connor, Signwriter, who will discuss the benefits of traditional hand-painted signage, the skills of a traditional signwriter and their application to traditional shopfronts and historic buildings;
Ronan O’Donnell, Project Officer, Walled City Partnership who will discuss the implementation of the Townscape Heritage Initiative in Derry that involved the conservation of traditional shopfronts and a ‘living over the shop’ initiative; and
Trevor Finnegan, Revert Design, who will highlight his photography and research of the traditional shopfronts of Ireland.
Seminar participants will receive a free information pack at registration and a light lunch will be provided. There will be an open questions-and-answers session with the guest speakers before lunch. The seminar is an action of the County Donegal Heritage Plan and is funded by Donegal County Council and The Heritage Council.
The seminar is free and open to everyone but places are limited so early booking is strongly advised. If you would like to book a place at the ‘Traditional Shopfronts & Vernacular Signage' seminar, contact the Donegal County Museum on (074) 912 4613 or by e-mail at: [email protected]
