Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720 - 1940

Engineer and sculptor, of Dublin and London. According to Strickland, John Edward Jones, son of the miniature painter Edward Jones, was born in Dublin on 2 May 1806. 'He trained as an engineer under ALEXANDER NIMMO [1] ALEXANDER NIMMO [1] , and was engaged with him in many important works in Ireland, including the building of the bridge at Waterford between 1829 and 1832, of which he had charge. He also followed his profession in London. A taste and aptitude for sculpture induced him, about 1840, to relinquish his prospects as an engineer, and he commenced practice in London as a sculptor. He achieved considerable success, especially in portrait busts…Jones died at Finglas, near Dublin, while on a visit, on 25 July 1862, aged fifty-six. He is described as in wit, humour and vivacity a thorough Irishman.'(1)

As 'J. Jones', architect, of 7 Amiens Street, North Strand, Dublin, Jones exhibited several watercolours at the RHA in 1828 and 1829, which included a 'View of the Town of Youghall, showing the proposed Chain Bridge' (1828, no. 183) and a 'Design for a Viaduct' (1829, no. 236).(2) John Jones is listed as a civil engineer in Wilson's Dublin Directory for the years 1833-35 with an office address at the Commercial Buildings, Dame Street.

See WORKS (excludes portait busts, for list of which see Strickland) and BIBLIOGRAPHY. BIBLIOGRAPHY.



References



(1) W.G. Strickland, A Dictionary of Irish Artists (1913), I, 557-8.  For Jones's lively temperament, see also Noel P. Wilkins, Alexander Nimmo, Master Engineer, 1783-1832: public works and civil surveys (Irish Academic Press, 2009), 323-4. For an assessment of his sculptural work, see Paula Murphy, Nineteenth-Century Irish Sculpture:  Native Genius Reaffirmed  (Yale University Press: New Haven & London, 2010), 94-95. 
(2) RHA Index, II, 126; the chain bridge at Youghal was one of two alternative proposals made by Alexander Nimmo, of which the timber alternative was executed. An engraved view and plan by Jones of the timber bridge appears in Trans.Inst.CE 2 (1838), Pl. 13.


2 work entries listed in chronological order for JONES, JOHN EDWARD


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Building: CO. WATERFORD, WATERFORD, BRIDGE OVER RIVER SUIR
Date: 1829-32
Nature: In charge of construction (of what?).
Refs: W.G. Strickland, A Dictionary of Irish Artists (1913), I, 558

Building: CO. DERRY, DERRY, DIAMOND, STATUE OF SIR ROBERT FERGUSON
Date: 1862
Nature: Erected 1862. (Moved to Brooke Park., 1927).
Refs: W.G. Strickland, A Dictionary of Irish Artists (1913), I, 558,559;  Paula Murphy, Nineteenth-Century Irish Sculpture:  Native Genius Reaffirmed  (Yale University Press: New Haven & London, 2010), 95(illus.).

Author Title Date Details
Jones, John Edward 'Account and description of Youghal Bridge, designed by Alexander Nimmo' 1837 Trans..Inst.CE 2 (1837) 157-9.