Cork Preservation Society was created in 1967, initially to lead the campaign to preserve Skiddy’s Alms House, an historic building in the Shandon area of Cork City, from threatened destruction. This long and ultimately successful campaign involved securing national monument status, purchase of the building on behalf of CPS, and its renovation and eventual resale. An exhibition highlighting the importance of Skiddy’s, and of the Tailor’s Hall building in Dublin, was organised and held in Dublin and London in 1969. A limited company called Robert Jones (Cork) Ltd was created to manage the Skiddy’s property on behalf of CPS, and its directors and members included many prominent CPS figures. The CPS was also active in efforts to preserve other prominent Cork buildings, including Vernon Mount House and the Alms House in Youghal, as well as the Shandon Area Project, in conjunction with Bord Failte, the Irish tourist board.
Archival History ↴
This collection was effectively created by JB Kearney, a founding member and lighting light of the CPS, and it contains many of his notes and letters, mainly on behalf of CPS and Robert Jones (Cork) Ltd, but also in a private capacity. There were two separate accessions of CPS records, the first with personal records of Kearney (PR14), the second principally of CPS matter. The collection latterly came into the possession of Max McCarthy, Boole Library, UCC and he arranged its transfer to CCCA.
Immediate Source Acquisition ↴
Donation
Content & Structure
Scope & Content: Cork Preservation Society (CPS) ↴
The campaign to preserve Skiddy’s Alms House, with national monument status, purchase of the building on behalf of CPS, renovation and eventual resale, are well documented in the collection. An exhibition highlighting the importance of Skiddy’s, and of the Tailor’s Hall building in Dublin, was organised and held in Dublin and London in 1969, and is also recorded here. A series of photographs also relate to this event. Limited company called Robert Jones (Cork) Ltd was created to manage the Skiddy’s property on behalf of CPS, and its directors and members included many prominent CPS figures. Annual reports, audited accounts, and other records of this company are present in the collection. The CPS was also active in efforts to preserve other prominent Cork buildings, including Vernon Mount House and the Alms House in Youghal, as well as the Shandon Area Project, in conjunction with Bord Failte, the Irish tourist board. Records of these campaigns, other projects, and some minutes of CPS meetings and general correspondence are also present. In addition, the collection contains some records of heritage events and issues relating to Cork.
Appraisal Destruction ↴
Permanent Retention
Arrangement ↴
Mainly in files.
Conditions of Access & Use
Access Conditions
Open by appointment to those holding a current readers ticket.
Conditions Governing Reproduction
Subject to rules governing reproduction of records of CCCA
