You have probably been wondering what this building is and what it going to be?
You may have been wondering what exactly is going on behind closed doors?
This building was the Waterford Savings Bank.
The bank was originally set-up in 1816 and moved to this commissioned building in 1846. The building was designed by architect Thomas Jackson who though born in Waterford, was working in Belfast.
There was originally a spire on the roof but this was removed in the mid 30s.
In the mid 90s the bank closed. The building was sold. It then was leased to the South East Assembly who had their headquarters here until 2017 when they moved next door.
In 2018 work began to convert this beautiful late Georgian – early Victorian building into a leading art gallery. Obviously with a building of this age you are bound to run into some problems that unfortunately manifests itself in delays. However… there have been some wonderful discoveries too on the way such as the uncovering of granite flagstones in the hallway.
ROJO Studio Architects are the architects, Suirside Construction are the builders – both are local companies.
The first exhibition will have a soft opening this July in the Gallery with both the Gallery and Exhibition opening in September.
The inaugural exhibition is “Aspects” and it is curated from the renowned Waterford Collection by Dr. Éimear O’Connor. The pieces you will encounter have all been conserved over the past six months – so you will be able to see them in the best possible light.
If you thought that art and banks are a curious mix… It may surprise you to know that the very first college of art in Waterford was temporarily based in the first floor of this building. So in some ways art is coming home.
More anon