New Book Launch by Ulster Architectural Heritage Society

Architects of Ulster

Ulster Architectural Heritage launched its latest publication, ‘Architects of Ulster 1920s-1970s’ by renowned Architectural Historian Dr Paul Larmour on Wednesday 23rd November 2022. The attractively produced and richly informative new volume was launched by Ciaran Fox, Director of the RSUA, in the very appropriate and beautiful setting of the Chapel of Unity at Methodist College Belfast, which was designed by one of the featured architects of the book, Gordon McKnight in 1966-8.

The book recounts the life and works of 21 architects of the 20th Century who produced individual buildings of special interest and were also notable for their pioneering example and significant contribution to architectural design in Ulster. The chapters in the book originated in a series of articles written over many years by Dr Larmour which appeared in ‘Perspective’ and which have been expanded, referenced and edited for book format and accompanied with exceptional newly commissioned and archival photography. The fine design of the book was a happy collaboration between the publisher, UAH, and the publisher of ‘Perspective’, Ulster Journals Ltd.

Invited guests at the launch included several relatives of some of the architects featured. Dr Paul Harron, Chief Executive of UAH, welcomed everyone to the event in the chapel, followed by words of appreciation by Karen Latimer OBE, UAH Publications Chairman and Editor, who in turn handed over to Ciaran Fox of the RSUA who formally launched the book, noting the immense contribution which Dr Larmour has made to our understanding and appreciation of Ulster’s architects and architecture over the course of his career and through his many superb books and articles. He commended the book to all, not least members of the current architectural profession. Dr Larmour responded by not only describing the special setting of the building and outlining some of the features of the book but also thanking Karen Latimer, the UAH and Ulster Journals, among others, and all the relatives and friends of featured architects who had made a special effort to attend. Dr David Johnston, Chairman of UAH, closed formal proceedings by both encouraging all to purchase the book and spread the word on its availability far and wide but also invited folk to retire to the atrium of McArthur Hall at MCB for refreshments and photographs.