Recreating lost views of Downhill House...

THE third in the current series of Heritage Evenings will be held this Wednesday, January 21st at 7:30pm in the Kelly memorial Hall in Victoria Street, Portrush.
After over a decade of talks in the Portrush Atlantic Hotel, the Heritage Group is moving to the Kelly Memorial Hall while the Atlantic Hotel undergoes a major refurbishment of its food and beverage areas.
The programme for the evening includes a talk by Stephen Price on Downhill House and a wee chat with former BBC Presenter Anne Marie McAleese on her 34 years as presenter for BBC Radio Ulster’s ‘Your Place and Mine’ and what new horizons she now has.Stephen Price works at Northern Regional College and with his colleague Peter McMullan, they used 3D imaging technology to recreate lost views of Downhill house from the era before photography.
Stephen’s recreation of the House is based on research he undertook for his book The Earl Bishop which contains a fascinating story about the man behind the temple.
The Earl Bishop had a particular attraction to the art scene in Italy. Stephen commented that the art community in Rome used to love to see him coming because when he turned up it really was bonanza time.
At its peak in the 1790s, Downhill contained Rembrandts, Rafaels, Titians, Durers, Carravagios, artistic names that today would not be seen outside a major gallery.
Stephen will take us through a trip through the life and times of Downhill House, from its construction in the late 18th century to the ruin we know today.
His talk will Include unusual images of the historic site and reconstructed views of the original Bishop`s palace.

Anne Marie McAleese is no stranger to BBC Radio Ulster listeners after 34 years as presenter of her Saturday Morning ‘Your Place and Mine’ Programme.
Anne Marie has embarked on new career challenges and her talk will focus on memories of her life as a radio presenter and the new challenges she faces.
l The Heritage Evenings are open to all. The annual subscription is £15 which includes free entry to all Heritage Evening Talks. Temporary membership is available at the door for £5.
If you would like to find out more about Portrush Heritage Group, please visit their website at www.discover
portrush.com or email chairman.portrush
heritage@gmail.com