John Hunt (antiquarian)
Encyclopedia
John Hunt was a historian
, antiquarian
, and collector. Together with his wife Gertrude, he amassed the collection that today forms the basis of the Hunt Museum
, Limerick, Ireland. He encouraged Lord Gort
to restore Bunratty Castle
. He is commemorated by a bust in the castle because of this. He also led to the creation of both the Craggaunowen
and Lough Gur
visitor centres through his interest in prehistory. The Hunts first settled at Lough Gur,near Limerick and later in Dublin. Remarkably, in both these domestic settings they housed and openly displayed their valuable collection.
Historian
A historian is a person who studies and writes about the past and is regarded as an authority on it. Historians are concerned with the continuous, methodical narrative and research of past events as relating to the human race; as well as the study of all history in time. If the individual is...
, antiquarian
Antiquarian
An antiquarian or antiquary is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. More specifically, the term is used for those who study history with particular attention to ancient objects of art or science, archaeological and historic sites, or historic archives and manuscripts...
, and collector. Together with his wife Gertrude, he amassed the collection that today forms the basis of the Hunt Museum
Hunt Museum
The Hunt Museum is a museum in the city of Limerick, Ireland. Holding a personal collection donated by the Hunt family, it was originally situated in the University of Limerick, before being moved to its present location in 1997. It can now be visited in the old custom house, an historic 18th...
, Limerick, Ireland. He encouraged Lord Gort
Standish Robert Gage Prendergast Vereker M.C., 7th Viscount Gort
Standish Robert Gage Prendergast Vereker, 7th Viscount Gort MC was an Irish peer, connoisseur and collector of fine art, antiques, and objets d'art, whose seat was at Hamsterley Hall, County Durham.He was appointed High Sheriff of Durham in 1934....
to restore Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle is a large tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It lies in the centre of Bunratty village , by the N18 road between Limerick and Ennis, near Shannon Town and its airport. The name Bunratty, Bun Raite in Irish, means the 'bottom' or end of the 'Ratty' river. This river, alongside...
. He is commemorated by a bust in the castle because of this. He also led to the creation of both the Craggaunowen
Craggaunowen
Craggaunowen - The Living Past is an archaeological open air museum in County Clare Ireland, started by John Hunt. The park, comprising a picturesque lake and idyllic woodland, is host to several examples of early historic dwelling places such as a Crannóg Craggaunowen - The Living Past is an...
and Lough Gur
Lough Gur
Lough Gur is a lake in County Limerick, Ireland between the towns of Herbertstown and Bruff. The lake forms a horseshoe shape at the base of Knockadoon Hill and some rugged elevated countryside. It is one of Ireland's most important archaeological sites...
visitor centres through his interest in prehistory. The Hunts first settled at Lough Gur,near Limerick and later in Dublin. Remarkably, in both these domestic settings they housed and openly displayed their valuable collection.