Kilkenny Advertiser

James Hoban

Mr Dick Roche, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government addressed an international symposium to mark the 175th anniversary of the death of James Hoban, the Kilkenny born architect of the White House. In his speech he said, "we are very proud that it was an Irish man who designed the White House, probably one of the most widely recognised buildings in the world." The Minister said, "I am delighted that we have a descendant of James Hoban in our audience today the American architect, Dennis Blaschke." The symposium, entitled 'Transatlantic Crosscurrents in Architecture: 18th and 20th Century' was held in Kilkenny Castle and was organised by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Heritage Council. The symposium charted the influence of Irish-born architects, craftsmen and entrepreneurs on American Architecture in the late 18th century, as well as the influences of American Architecture and architectural education on Irish architects in the late 20th century.