The Darley Collection deposited at The Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI)

The Darley collection contains 90 drawings of chimney-pieces - of varying designs, done largely in ink and watercolour - created by George and Hill Darley in the course of their work as stone-cutters in Dublin between ca. 1757-1813. They are now available on the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) website.

 The Darleys were an important family of stone-cutters, sculptors, builders and architects who were active across two centuries in Dublin and Co. Down.

These drawings – now preserved for long-term access – are considered to be one of the most extensive collections of original late eighteenth-century designs for chimney-pieces in Britain or Ireland. They would most likely have been working documents created to show potential clients the variety of designs and materials. 

The Darley Collection was donated to the Royal Irish Academy in 1889 by Sterling Ballantine.