Press release
OPW announces the lighting up of the iconic Phoenix Column in the Phoenix Park
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Published on
Last updated on
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to announce the lighting of the Phoenix Column on Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park. Mrs Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D. Higgins, and who inspired the initiative, will officiate at the lighting Ceremony, which will take place at 7.45pm on 17 June 2018 at the Phoenix monument.
The Phoenix Column was originally installed in 1747 by the fourth Earl of Chesterfield. It comprises a Portland Stone Corinthian Column on a tall lettered pedestal. Above the capital, is a sculpture of a phoenix bird rising from the ashes.
Kevin 'Boxer' Moran TD, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, said:
"My Office is delighted to add this very recognisable icon within the Phoenix Park to our extensive list of sites which are light up to highlight our world-renowned Heritage sites and National monuments. There is a special joy at seeing these monuments lit up at night and the experience encourages the visitor to look at these sites in a different way."
The Lighting of the Phoenix Column continues the OPW initiative of shining a light on Ireland and highlighting our iconic Heritage sites and State buildings, such as Áras an Uachtaráin, Leinster House, Government Buildings, National Museum, National Library, Trim Castle, Casino Marino and so on.
ENDS
Photography will be available after the event from Lafayette Photography gwen@lafayette.ie or 01 429 5740.
For further information please contact OPW Client Services and Communications at 087 947 5552 or opwcsc@opw.ie
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The fourth Earl of Chesterfield erected the Phoenix Column in 1747 as a focal point on Chesterfield Road, the same year the Phoenix Park was open to the public for the first time.
In the 1840s, Decimus Burton, the renowned English Architect, produced a master plan for the Phoenix Park which included the building of new gate lodges, the restoration of the boundary wall and creation and realignment of the Park roads, which included Chesterfield Avenue. This latter project involved the relocation of the Phoenix Column on the main avenue.
In 1929 the Phoenix Column was moved again to an open grass area near the Áras Demesne to facilitate the car races held at that time. It was finally returned to the ‘Burton’ location as part of the 1986 Phoenix Park Management Plan where it is now located in the centre of the Park and forms a focal point of a large roundabout on the beautiful tree-lined Chesterfield Avenue.
The Column with be illuminated in white - the Phoenix wings in white and the flames in red. The LED colour light system installed uses the latest technology whereby the colours can be adapted to any colour system needed (for example, the lighting up for St Patrick’s Day and so on). The system is energy efficient with each fitting using only 50 watts.