Optica

In No.6 Dawson Street we inherited a Georgian treasure however it was also a crumbling treasure! The building had previously housed the old David Marshall hairdressing salon and had many layers of shopfit from many previous owners. It was in a sorry state and needed a complete rethink to become our new home.

On peeling back the many layers of shopfit we discovered the original Georgian ceiling in the early stages of our project, this confirmed the tone and direction of the design for us. It was clear that this former Georgian masterpiece should be restored but the design also had to work for a contemporary optician and eyewear boutique. As would have been the case in Georgian times we worked with the very best artisans of the day to transform the space.

We worked closely with Irish artisans to achieve the desired result beginning with the restoration of the original ceiling in the traditional method by Stuccodores Smith & Henderson (Westmeath). Layered on top of this were lights by lighting sculptor Niamh Barry (Dublin) drawing the eye up to the original features. The whole space was painted in heritage colours by Colourtrend (Kildare), the tones and shades of colour flow through the space complimenting the walnut, brass and vintage glass. The walls were lined with bespoke and vintage display cases, customised to hold and display Optica’s stunning eyewear collections. Furniture has been lined and upholstered with Donegal tweed from Kevin and Howlin (Nassau Street). Other highlights include furniture, frame trays and bespoke mirrors by Connolly & Company (Monaghan), an original interior fanlight hand–painted by Tom Collins (Limerick), metalwork by Ned Cody (Kilkenny), a hand made rug by Ceadogan (Wexford) and stunning Irish art.