Designed by W.H Lynn in Venetian Gothic style, it was built between 1867 and 1869.[1]
C.E.B. Brett believed it was Lynn’s ‘most successful achievement’ resembling a massive merchant’s palazzo.[2]
Oscar Wilde thought it was the most beautiful building in Belfast when he gave a lecture in the city in 1884.[3]
Its detailing features a balustrade over the door case, arcades of round headed windows and roundels in the window spandrels.[4]
Lions can be seen on parts of the building which were the Richardson family trademark; they had been in the linen trade since 1780.[5]
Do you want to learn more about the history of Belfast? We pass this site on my Buildings & Bricks Tour!
[1] Marcus Patton, Central Belfast, An Historical Gazetteer (Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society), pp.117-118.
[2] A large, splendid residence or public building, such as a palace or museum. https://www.thefreedictionary.com/palazzo Accessed 25.6.22.
[3] NW, 3.1.1884.
[4] Marcus Patton, Central Belfast, An Historical Gazetteer (Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society), pp.117-118.
[5] Marcus Patton, Central Belfast, An Historical Gazetteer (Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society), pp.117-118.