Dick Clark: Roofs and Chimneys

The collection includes models of Irish cottages from various parts of the country.

Often the designs differ to make the dwelling suitable for its location, use available materials or the occupant’s means of making a living.

Different roof shapes and designs help to deal with windy and exposed locations. Various internal designs allow keeping of animals in or near the house and allow for different means of heating and cleaning out.

Hearths, chimneys, doors and windows tell different stories about the people who lived there.

Cottage roofs progressed from thatch to currugated iron, asbestos and slate.

In 1940 the Irish government had a grant to improve the thatched roofs which were difficult and costly to maintain.

New slate roofs were often a sign that a son or daughter has done well in an adopted country and has been able to send money home for improvements.

The Donegal Cottage (??) has a roof curved into an aerodynamic shape to throw the wind up and over the thatch.
The rear wall would have face into the prevailing wind. They generally had two doors, oppostie each other in the front and rear walls. Adjusting the opening of each of these regulated the draught in the fire.

The Achill Island Cottage (58) had no windows and no chimney, the only light coming through the half-door.

The smoke from the open fire curled up through the thatch leaving large deposits of soot. The sooty that was removed in the Spring and put on the lazy beds. It provided fertiliser and protection from frost for the early potato shoots.

In contrast the Galway fisherman’s cottage (13) had two chimneys with the second one used for the smoking of fish.

As you can see, each distinctive roofing finish has been perfectly interpreted with materials, colour and texture