The Frances Quillinan Collection, an Exhibition curated by Maurice Quillinan, was officially opened by Councillor Maria Donoghue in Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street, Limerick City on Thursday 16th July.
This exhibition showcases a remarkable collection of watercolour drawings of Limerick's churches, historic buildings and landmarks. Carefully preserved by Frances and later donated to Limerick Museum by her son, Maurice Quillinan, the collection offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich architectural heritage.
Frances Vera Butcher was born in Kent, England, in 1929, the elder daughter of Reginald Butcher, an architect and Vera Butcher. Frances began her architectural education at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London in 1946 and graduated in 1951. Immediately following graduation, she established an independent practice under the title F. V. Butcher, Chartered Architect, ARIBA, alongside her employment with the London County Council, later the Greater London Council.
In the late 1950s, during a holiday in Ireland, Frances met her future husband, Maurice Quillinan. They married in 1960 and made their home here in Limerick, where Maurice served as Harbour Master at Limerick Docks.
In 1960, she joined the Architects' Department of Limerick Corporation, becoming the first female architect to be employed by the local authority. Frances's employment at Limerick Corporation was initially temporary, a situation that caused her considerable frustration. Although she was effectively carrying out the duties of senior architect, the Corporation refused to appoint her permanently to that position because, as a married woman, she was automatically deemed ineligible.
In 1971, her case was taken up by the Irish Women's Liberation Movement, and she appeared on The Late Late Show during a programme devoted to the Movement's Chains or Change manifesto. She was eventually appointed by the Public Appointments Commission to the permanent post of Senior Architect, a position she held until her retirement in 1984.
Her work at Limerick Corporation included housing schemes at Moyross, South Hill and Watergate Street, as well as the refurbishment of local authority housing in St Mary's Park. She was also involved in the restoration of Limerick’s city walls.
Frances possessed a marked zest for life and a strong sense of adventure. Her commitment to architecture extended beyond professional practice to active involvement in heritage and conservation organisations, including An Taisce, on whose national executive she served, and the Irish Georgian Society, where she was also a committee member.
Councillor Maria Donoghue, deputising for Mayor of Limerick John Moran commented:
“It is a great privilege to mark the opening of The Frances Quillinan Collection and to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Frances Quillinan. As Limerick Corporation’s first female architect, Frances was a true pioneer whose determination, talent and vision helped shape our city at a time when opportunities for women in the profession were far more limited. Her contributions to housing, heritage conservation and urban development have left a lasting imprint on Limerick, while her courage in challenging barriers serves as an inspiration to us all.”
Dr Matthew Potter, Curator of Limerick Museum said:
“This exhibition arises from Frances Quillinan's remarkable efforts to preserve an important collection of original watercolour drawings of Limerick's notable buildings, including churches and other landmarks, together with a number of original city documents. These drawings and documents, which Frances carefully stored at home, were donated to Limerick Museum by her son, Maurice Quillinan. We are grateful to Dr Carole Pollard, an architect and historian based in Dublin, for her research on Frances’ life and career and to Saint Mary’s Cathedral for hosting this exhibition.”
The Frances Quillinan Collection will be on display in Saint Mary’s Cathedral until 31st August 2026, full details available here