Madam, - I write to add my support for the campaign to preserve Lissadell house in Sligo.
It is one of the finest houses of its date not just in Ireland but in these Isles, being the mastepiece of the Regency architect, Francis Goodwin, with a spectacular setting on the shore of Sligo Bay.
Lissadell is one of the few surviving great houses in Ireland complete with all its contents, including fine Regency mahogany furniture made for the house.
The architecture - Greco-Roman at its most chaste - the landscape setting and the integral family collection at Lissadell are enhanced by the unique literary association of the place.
It is greatly to be hoped that the Irish State will be able to acquire Lissadell for the public benefit, like Malahide or Farmleigh, but if not that some rich individual might take it on and restore it with the panache of Lyons or Castletown Cox. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN MARTIN ROBINSON, Doughty Mews, London WC IN 2PG