Designers set about updating side entrance to GPO

When it comes to styling the GPO on O’Connell St for the 1916 commemorations, who better to turn to than Ireland’s most influential designer and modernist architect, Eileen Gray?

Her non-conformist chair was the first port of call for interior designers Simon Paul and Sara Murphy who have been charged with updating the Prince’s Street entrance.

The GPO was almost destroyed during Easter Week 1916. Reconstruction and extension was undertaken from 1925 by an Office of Public Works team led by TJ Byrne. The enlarged post office retained elements of architect Francis Johnston’s original design while introducing art deco features. This was a year before Gray designed the non-conformist chair, which now holds court in this part of the building. Signage has been erected to explain the designer’s work and visitors are encouraged to try the seating.

Last August An Post issued a collection of stamps celebrating the works of Gray. The most recognisable of the pieces gracing the 70c stamps, which were designed by Ger Garland, is her much copied adjustable table, designed in 1927.

Ironically enough, neither the chair (1926) nor the tube light (1927) made it on to the stamps, but these are the occasion pieces, chosen by the designers and supplied by Minima, for the temporary installation at the site.