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Architectural drawings and related documentation are retained and preserved for their long-term evidentiary value. As such, architectural archives constitute an important element of cultural heritage. They record how our constructed environment was designed, created, built, managed and used. In some cases, they contain the only record of lost buildings and of unbuilt projects.

The collections of the IAA contain material – primary or secondary – on every notable Irish architect, on Irish buildings of every type, period or style, and on most significant building in the 32 counties of Ireland.

Collections

Architectural drawings and related documentation are retained and preserved for their long-term evidentiary value. As such, architectural archives constitute an important element of cultural heritage. They record how our constructed environment was designed, created, built, managed and used. In some cases, they contain the only record of lost buildings and of unbuilt projects.

The collections of the IAA contain material – primary or secondary – on every notable Irish architect, on Irish buildings of every type, period or style, and on most significant building in the 32 counties of Ireland.

Photographs

The IAA’s foundation document is Ireland’s Architectural Heritage: The Case for an Archive of Photographic Material, published in 1975 by Dr Edward McParland and Nicholas Robinson. A year later, in 1976, the IAA was established as a repository of photographs of Irish architecture. Photography remains central to the IAA’s collections. The IAA maintains an ongoing record photography programme, capturing images of buildings throughout the country, especially those in imminent danger of alteration or demolition. This record photography is complemented by extensive holdings of historic images and important collections of photographs taken by individual architectural photographers and commercial photographic companies. The IAA also holds photographic copies of material in private and public collections in Ireland and abroad.

Drawings and related documents

Architectural drawings are complex, with layers of meaning beyond the lines on the page. From early sketches, the first crystallisation of an idea or a design solution, to fully worked up schemes, from instructions for builders on site to a record of the final outcome of the construction process, drawings lay bare the evolution and progress of buildings, built and unbuilt. They may even outlast the buildings themselves, the last witnesses to what once stood.

 

Drawings alone do not constitute a complete record of an architectural project. The IAA also seeks to acquire a wide range of supporting and corroborating material including correspondence, planning, client and contractor files, bills of quantities and specifications, site meeting minutes, photographs, models, and financial documentation.

Many of the drawings and related documents in the IAA come from architectural practices, but the IAA also acquires the papers of construction industry businesses such as quantity surveying firms, developers and builders. Also held are the archives of architectural, engineering and surveying representative organisations, and personal and research papers of architectural historians, critics and writers.

Reference Library

The IAA’s reference library contains an extensive range of books and periodicals relating to Irish architecture, architects, building and construction, local history, art, archaeology and general reference. Also included is an important collection of rare and early printed architectural treatises, notably those in the Alistair and Ann Martha Rowan Collection of Architectural Publications. There are also substantial collections of pamphlets and ephemeral publications, and extensive press cutting files on Irish buildings and architects.

Use the IAA Catalogue to search the collections.

Access to the collections is provided in the IAA Reading Room. Click here for more.

Acquisitions Policy

The IAA Acquisitions Policy Statement establishes the terms and criteria of the accessioning by the IAA of material held in private hands and acquired by means of purchase, donation or loan.

The Acquisitions Policy Statement is reviewed regularly by the IAA’s Collections Development Committee.

The current Acquisitions Policy Statement is available here.

Collection Appeal

In its efforts to gather records of Ireland’s architectural heritage, the IAA needs your help. The IAA would like to hear from architects, engineers, firms, institutions and members of the public who have in their care or know of any architectural or related material. The type of material sought includes:

  • architectural drawings, of any age, size or subject matter
  • photographs, both old and new, showing buildings of any date
  • prints, postcards and paintings depicting buildings or individuals associated with Irish architecture, architects, engineers, builders, craftsmen etc.
  • books, periodicals, guides, trade catalogues, auctioneers’ brochures, or pamphlets relating to Irish buildings
  • inventories, legal documents, and manuscripts of any type relating to Irish architecture
  • architectural models

It is hoped that owners might consider transferring material to the IAA by loan or gift. If such a transfer is not possible, the IAA may seek permission to make copies of the material.

If you know about such material please contact the IAA .

Donate

Large or small, every donation helps secure the future of the collection. We are truly grateful for your support.

Donate Now

Donate

Large or small, every donation helps secure the future of the collection. We are truly grateful for your support.

Donate Now
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