Whyte's THE ECLECTIC COLLECTOR TIMED ON-LINE AUCTION 18 APRIL 2026

42 65 1814. An important watercolour of the new General Post Office, Dublin by Francis Johnston RHA (1760-1829) An important watercolour showing the front elevation of the proposed General Post Office, Dublin 1814, the building located in the middle of O’Connell Street (formerly Sackville Street). Unique architect’s drawing of what was to become a focal point in Ireland’s fight for independence in 1916. 18 by 26in. (45.7 by 66cm) Condition: Five tone spots in the sky, otherwise fine, attractively framed. Provenance: Adam’s Imortant Irish Art, 7 December 2016, lot 59. Francis Johnston was born in Armagh in 1760. He studied architecture under Thomas Cooley, one of Ireland’s leading architects of the late 18th century. Numbered amongst Cooley’s major commissions are The Royal Exchange, Dublin (later City Hall); The Archbishop’s Palace, Armagh; Caledon, Co. Tyrone and The Public Records Office, Dublin, later incorporated into Gandon’s Four Courts. The younger architect executed works in a number of styles, including Gothic. However, the elegant and measured neoclassical signature style of his master is perhaps most apparent in Johnston’s designs for the new General Post Office in 1814. The GPO had previiously been located in Andrew Street, where a branch office still resides. Estimate €8,000-€10,000 (approx £6,960-£8,700) Click here for more images and to bid on this lot 65