Former Hollybush Primary School

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A single storey, former two classroom primary school, with natural slated roof, single red brick chimney, gabled at one end and half hipped at other, Tyrolean plastered walls, projecting porch with sliding sash windows in pairs (now PVC) abutting a two pile teacher’s residence. The roof of the pile merges into the school roof so that to the rear of the building there is only one gable.

Entrance door to residence has slated and gabled canopy supported on brackets. Pair of segmental arched windows centred on ground floor of each gable with similar single window over. Yellow brick chimney stacks on each gable. Residence retains timber sash sliding windows. The school playground remains relatively untouched. The external form of the school is remarkably similar to Culmore Primary School (HB01/27/006) and in the accommodation provided which suggests that the Irish Society must have exercised some influence over the design.

Historical information

School opened in October 1891 and at that time Culmore was part of the Roman Catholic parish of Muff. First teacher Mr John Dillon. The Irish Society gave the site and when school activities ceased in 1991 the site and premises reverted to the Society. The Society sold the premises to the present owners in 1991.

References:

Primary sources:
OS Map 1904-5 revision Co Londonderry sheet 14A,
Derry Journal 5 October 1891

Secondary Sources
'Hollybush Primary School 1891-1991'- comemorative booklet published by school on opening of new building.
Present owner (1999)

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

An interesting example of small primary school of late 19th century presumably erected under the auspices of The National School Board and combining the teacher’s residence. Architectural and historical quality not high.