Heritage Week 2026: Conserving the Read's Collection - Walk-in event

Monday 17 August 2026
12pm – 1.30pm
6 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 E434

Come pop in to chat with conservator Eleanor Haworth and RCPI collections manager Jess Milhausen about the ongoing conservation project at RCPI Heritage Centre. RCPI has over 800 objects that came from the original House of Reads on Parliament Street.  

The Read’s Collection documents an important period of medical instrument production in Ireland and shows the changes in medical standards through the 19th and early 20th century. However, this collection is unique not only because it relates to medical history here in Ireland, but because it also speaks to the history of commerce in Dublin and the legacy of Read's Cutlery as Dublin's oldest shop.  While predominantly medical instruments, the collection also includes other objects, such as a selection of Read’s famous cutlery, personal items and luxury gifts, and the raw materials used in the production of the cutlery and medical instruments. 

This is a free, walk-in event; No booking is required.

This project is supported by the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026.