Compositors, those masters of a trade that has now been all but annihilated by digital printing, tended to be gentlemanly types. They were modest, refined, and scrupulous – the sort of men who, if they lost their belongings in an act of war, would seek compensation to the exact value of the property and not a penny more.
Thomas Lynch, who lived at 9 Northbrook Avenue in the North Strand, Dublin 3, in the early 20th century, was such a type. He worked – it’s safe to say busily but unobtrusively – for Alexander Thom & Co, publisher of the annual Irish Almanac and Official Directory, more commonly known as ‘Thom’s Directory’.
After the 1916 Rising, Lynch claimed for compensation from the Property Losses Committee. Two compositing sticks (the wooden sticks on which individual letters would be placed, right to left and upside down), as well as one plain shears, had been damaged by fire at Thom’s premises. For this, Lynch claimed the convincing sum of £1 and the committee – perceiving honesty – recommended payment in full.
The house he once lived in is also modest and refined, and has been scrupulously cared for. It’s had a recent refurbishment and has vintage features including shuttered sash windows and the original floors and doors.
The interior layout has been reconfigured so that the entrance hall is now open-plan to the living and dining room, where there’s a cast-iron fireplace.
The kitchen is at the back of the house and is galley-style with modern fitted cabinets. There’s a door there to a paved back garden with raised beds and climbers.
The bathroom is on the first-floor return and has a bath with overhead shower. On the first floor proper are the three bedrooms – two doubles and a single.
Number 9 measures 1,012 sq ft in total. It’s for sale for €430,000 with DNG Fairview (01) 833 1802.
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