HENRIETTA PLACE AND HENRIETTA STREET
HENRIETTA PLACE AND HENRIETTA STREET [FIRST DAY USING MY FUJI GFX100RF]
Henrietta Place and Henrietta Street: A Tale of Two Spaces
Henrietta Street stands as a remarkably well-preserved testament to Dublin's Georgian grandeur. Laid out in the 1720s, it quickly became one of the most prestigious addresses in the city, attracting the wealthy and powerful of the era. Its wide carriageway was lined with substantial red-brick townhouses, designed as elegant city palaces for landed gentry, bishops, and influential figures in law and politics. These houses were centres of social and political life, hosting gatherings and reflecting the status of their esteemed occupants. For a time, Henrietta Street epitomised the aspirations and achievements of Dublin's elite.
Just off this grand thoroughfare lies Henrietta Place, a seemingly unassuming laneway that tells a very different, yet equally important, story. While its neighbour evokes images of powdered wigs and horse-drawn carriages, Henrietta Place is home to Henrietta House, a significant block of social housing flats. Constructed in the late 1930s, this development was designed by Herbert Simms, the visionary and highly respected Housing Architect for Dublin Corporation.
Simms was instrumental in addressing the dire housing conditions faced by many of Dublin's working-class population during the early 20th century. Inspired by contemporary housing models in Britain and the Netherlands, his designs prioritised functionality, community, and the well-being of residents. Henrietta House, with its robust red-brick construction, communal courtyard, and galleried access, stands as a prime example of Simms' commitment to providing quality social housing in the inner city.
The juxtaposition of Henrietta Street and Henrietta Place offers a compelling insight into Dublin's social history. Henrietta Street serves as a tangible reminder of a time when wealth and influence were concentrated in the hands of a few, while Henrietta Place embodies a later drive towards social reform and the provision of decent housing for all citizens. The legacy of Herbert Simms at Henrietta Place stands in stark contrast to the opulent past of Henrietta Street, highlighting the evolving social landscape of Dublin and the enduring importance of providing dignified living spaces for all members of society. Today, both locations contribute to the rich and layered narrative of Dublin's urban fabric.
Last November/December, I pre-ordered a Sony A1 II. Today, the 30th of April 2025, I'm still waiting for it to arrive at my local dealer. Roughly eight weeks ago, needing a new camera by the second week of May, I considered purchasing a Leica Q3 43. However, lacking the immediate funds, I had to wait until late April. In the interim, the Fuji GFX100RF was launched, and I decided it would be a better option. Unfortunately, when I was informed that the Fuji might not be available until June or July, I began to explore the possibility of buying a second-hand camera. Much to my surprise, my dealer had a used Q3 for sale at a good price, so I committed to buying it. However, upon arriving to collect it, I was advised that a silver version of the GFX100RF was immediately available. Consequently, I ended up with both a Fuji and a Leica, which means my plans to buy an Apple Mac Studio later this year are now on hold.
Henrietta Place and Henrietta Street: A Tale of Two Spaces
Henrietta Street stands as a remarkably well-preserved testament to Dublin's Georgian grandeur. Laid out in the 1720s, it quickly became one of the most prestigious addresses in the city, attracting the wealthy and powerful of the era. Its wide carriageway was lined with substantial red-brick townhouses, designed as elegant city palaces for landed gentry, bishops, and influential figures in law and politics. These houses were centres of social and political life, hosting gatherings and reflecting the status of their esteemed occupants. For a time, Henrietta Street epitomised the aspirations and achievements of Dublin's elite.
Just off this grand thoroughfare lies Henrietta Place, a seemingly unassuming laneway that tells a very different, yet equally important, story. While its neighbour evokes images of powdered wigs and horse-drawn carriages, Henrietta Place is home to Henrietta House, a significant block of social housing flats. Constructed in the late 1930s, this development was designed by Herbert Simms, the visionary and highly respected Housing Architect for Dublin Corporation.
Simms was instrumental in addressing the dire housing conditions faced by many of Dublin's working-class population during the early 20th century. Inspired by contemporary housing models in Britain and the Netherlands, his designs prioritised functionality, community, and the well-being of residents. Henrietta House, with its robust red-brick construction, communal courtyard, and galleried access, stands as a prime example of Simms' commitment to providing quality social housing in the inner city.
The juxtaposition of Henrietta Street and Henrietta Place offers a compelling insight into Dublin's social history. Henrietta Street serves as a tangible reminder of a time when wealth and influence were concentrated in the hands of a few, while Henrietta Place embodies a later drive towards social reform and the provision of decent housing for all citizens. The legacy of Herbert Simms at Henrietta Place stands in stark contrast to the opulent past of Henrietta Street, highlighting the evolving social landscape of Dublin and the enduring importance of providing dignified living spaces for all members of society. Today, both locations contribute to the rich and layered narrative of Dublin's urban fabric.
Last November/December, I pre-ordered a Sony A1 II. Today, the 30th of April 2025, I'm still waiting for it to arrive at my local dealer. Roughly eight weeks ago, needing a new camera by the second week of May, I considered purchasing a Leica Q3 43. However, lacking the immediate funds, I had to wait until late April. In the interim, the Fuji GFX100RF was launched, and I decided it would be a better option. Unfortunately, when I was informed that the Fuji might not be available until June or July, I began to explore the possibility of buying a second-hand camera. Much to my surprise, my dealer had a used Q3 for sale at a good price, so I committed to buying it. However, upon arriving to collect it, I was advised that a silver version of the GFX100RF was immediately available. Consequently, I ended up with both a Fuji and a Leica, which means my plans to buy an Apple Mac Studio later this year are now on hold.
HENRIETTA PLACE AND HENRIETTA STREET