Launch of the Travelling Past Photographic Exhibition at Dublin City Hall

The exhibition will give a unique look into the Travelling Community’s past through the lens of one Dublin photographer; John Walsh

Dublin the 8^th of November The launch of an exhibition entitled ‘The Travelling Past’, which features the work of 1950s photographer John Walsh, took place in City Hall this evening.

Walsh, who ran his photography studio out of 50 Francis Street, took thousands of images of everyday Dublin life at the time. In particular he shot hundred of photos of the Travelling Community, giving us a never before seen look into its unique cultural past.

Speaking at the official launch of the exhibition, Suzanne Walsh, granddaughter of John Walsh stated;

“From religious processions and Dublin traditions, to when women drank in the snug and the ‘good suit’ came in and out of the pawn shop when needed, The 50 Francis Street Archive is a unique collection of stunning, original photographs, a fascinating social history and celebration of people and places from Johns’ life’s works.

For over fifty years, he took thousands of photos on all aspects of Dublin life -street photography, iconic religious events , social life , tenement life, and a firsthand view of life in this era, Here, members of the Travelling Community are brought to life as we take nostalgic look of an integral part of Johns Archive…A Travelling Past.

The exhibition will continue to run free of charge until Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm as part of Dublin City Council’s Inclusion and Integration Week. The week was launched this morning by the Lord Mayor as a celebration of Dublin City’s diverse cultural and social community.