Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720 - 1940

Architect, of Dublin. Gerald McNicholl was born in England in 1911, the second of five sons. He attended the Christian Brothers' School in Cork and studied architecture at University College, Dublin, graduating BArch in 1933. After working in several Dublin offices he joined the Architectural Branch of the Office of Public Works in 1935, rising through the grades to become Principal Architect in 1968. He retired in 1976, after which he practised privately with his daughter Ann McNicholl until his death on 15 March 1980.

McNicholl was described by his obituarist M.D. Burke as a quiet but determined and decisive man, who enjoyed sailing when he could find time for it. He was survived by his widow, Zita, four daughters (including Ann, mentioned above) and a son.

RIAI: elected member, 1937; president, 1956-57.
Town Planning Institute: associate member.

See BIBLIOGRAPHY. BIBLIOGRAPHY.



References

All information in this entry is from the obituary of McNicholl by M.D. Burke in Architects' Yearbook 1981, 49. A portrait photograph and brief biography are in Oibre 6 (1968), 22; another of McNicholl in the architecture studio at University College, Dublin, is in IAA Acc. 2000/038.


2 work entries listed in chronological order for MCNICHOLL, GERALD


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Building: CO. DUBLIN, DUBLIN, ARBOUR HILL, CEMETERY, MEMORIAL
Date: 1956
Nature: Commemorative memorial, for Office of Public Works.
Refs: Oibre, 1966 (3), p.7

Building: CO. KILDARE, CURRAGH CAMP, ST BRIGID'S GARRISON CHURCH
Date: 1959
Nature: For Office of Public Works. Built of steel portal frames, with portal brick cavity walls and a copper roof, the bell tower is 165 feet high and the bell is from the old church. The church had seating accommodation for 1,400.  Blessed and dedicated by the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Most Revd Dr Thomas Keogh, 8 November 1959. Contractors included J&C McGloughlin Ltd and J.Davis & Co. Ltd. Carved teak stations of the cross by Imogen Stuart and the crucifix over the main altar is by Patrick Pye. The statue of St Brigid and children over the main entrance is by Oisin Kelly.
Refs: BCE, 1956, p.59; Architectural Survey, 1959, p.6-7 (illus.); Irish Building Survey, 1960 p.27 (illus). Also, www.curragh.info/landmarks/stbrigids.htm.

Author Title Date Details
Mcnicholl, Gerard 'Architecture of Today' 1939 Irish Press: RIAI Centenary Souvenir-Number, 22 Jun 1939
Mcnicholl, Gerard 'Art in the Home' 1944 Irish Art (1944), 56-61.