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2017 POLITICAL POSTERBack in 2017, this election poster posed the question: “Corbyn or May? Who can deliver a better future?” At that time, the political landscape was indeed in… 20-24 BOLTON STREETThis is what the site, once a Texaco Service Station, looked like in May 2017 when BSS Bolton Street Services were based there.
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ABSTRACT BY FRED ROCHFORDI liked this corten steel sculpture by Fred Rochford but unfortunately I know nothing about the artist or his art. AFRICA DAY 2008Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25th, marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1963. In Dublin, Ireland, Africa… ALL FORMS OF STREET ARTStreet art, broadly defined as any art created in public spaces, has a long and rich history that spans cultures and continents. From ancient cave paintings to… ARCHER II"Archer II" can be interpreted in various ways. It speaks to the power and potential inherent in both individuals and the universe ART BY CAIZI know nothing about the artist but I did manage to photograph her at work while it was a work in progress but I did not ask her name as I had assumed that the… ARTIST UNKNOWNI stumbled upon this lovely painted cabinet in Clontarf, and it turns out there's a story behind it! A local gentleman told me it was painted by a young…
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BELFAST EMPIRE MUSIC HALLThe Belfast Empire Music Hall, located at the junction of Cameron Street and Botanic Avenue, has a fascinating history that dates back to its origins as a… BELFAST MAY 2017Extracts from the 2017 photo catalogue which was created and published by William Murphy BELFAST STREET ARTIn 2017, Belfast's street art scene was a vibrant mix of political murals, emerging urban art, and growing commercial interest. BIRD'S NESTThe Celtic cross is deeply intertwined with early Irish Christianity, which was predominantly Catholic. BLACK AND WHITE HALLThe most prominent statue is a bronze figure of Galileo Galilei, the renowned Italian astronomer and physicist. This statue, created by Pio Fedi, was installed… BOTANIC GARDENSIn 2017, the Botanic Gardens in Belfast were a vibrant and popular destination, offering visitors a mix of historical charm, botanical beauty, and cultural… BROKEN BUSBelfast has an extensive bus network, primarily operated by Translink. The Metro service is the main bus service for Belfast, operating throughout the city and… BUOY PARK IN BELFASTThe collection of maritime buoys that I photographed in 2017 was at the time located in Cathedral Gardens, an area in front of St. Anne's Cathedral in Belfast,… BY BLESSING SANYANGAThis award-winning piece, titled "Nomadic Family," is a clever visual pun carved in stone by Zimbabwean artist Blessing Sanyanga. From one side, the sculpture… BY CLAIRE O'HAGANBy the way, the artist Claire O'Hagan is doing some really interesting things now with oil painting, exploring themes around the body and feminism. BY ELLEN WEBBAs a traveller of public transport daily, I would love to see this artwork in a place that many buses pass by BY HERBERT SIMMSHerbert George Simms (1898-1948) was a prominent Irish architect who left an indelible mark on Dublin's urban landscape. BY KAT ENNIS - UPDATEThis painted utility box can be found on Conquer Hill, along Clontarf Road in Dublin 3. It offers a unique perspective on the coastal landscape, capturing the… BY PAT LOUGHRANThis striking sculpture, titled "Meeting", was created by Irish artist Pat Loughran. Selected from the final year of sculpture students at the National College…
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CELEBRATION BY DICK JOYNTDick Joynt was an Irish Postwar & Contemporary sculptor. Born in Clontarf, Dublin in 1938, he initially trained as a painter but later turned to sculpture after… CHERRYWOOD TRAMSIn 2010, the LUAS Green Line was extended to serve the burgeoning Cherrywood area, with three new stops: Laughanstown, Cherrywood, and Bride's Glen. CHINESE PAGODABack in 1997 the city council, recognising the importance of China in the global economy, started making links with the world's largest emerging market and made… CHURCH AND GRAVE 2008Usually when photographing graveyards, I steer clear of newer sections, respecting the privacy of those grieving recent losses CLONTARF BATHSThe Clontarf Baths have a long and interesting history. Built in 1864, they were originally known as the Clontarf Baths and Assembly Rooms. They were popular… CLONTARF PIERClontarf Boat Slipway, which is a popular spot for launching small boats and kayaks, and also for swimming! It's located right by the Clontarf Yacht & Boat…
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DERELICT WITH TIN ROOFLimerick City & County Council acquired this site through a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) under the Derelict Sites Act 1990. This likely happened because the… DUBBER CROSSIn May 2017 I decided to get a bus at random and see where it brought me. I ended up at a place known as Dubber Cross near Charlestown Shopping Centre which is… DUBLIN DOCKLANDSIn 2008, Dublin's docklands were a stark contrast to their former glory, bearing the scars of an economic downturn. DUNLAOGHAIRE 2008In 2008, Dún Laoghaire was a busy coastal town with a rich maritime history, though it showed signs of needing revitalisation. DUN LAOGHAIRE TOWN HALLThe Dun Laoghaire Town Hall, also known as County Hall, was built in 1879 to serve as the administrative centre for the then Kingstown Township.
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EAST PIERA major restoration program was initiated in the mid-2000s to address the deteriorating condition of the East Pier EXPLORING THE LANEWhen I explored Laughanstown Lane it 2011 it was likely that most Dubliners did not know of place and if they saw the name they would have assumed that it was a…
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FAMOUS GANTRY CRANESContrary to popular belief, the cranes are not relics of the Victorian era. Goliath, the smaller of the two at 315 feet, was erected in 1969, with Samson… FISHERMEN MURALMagee's murals have a dreamlike quality, drawing you in with their flowing lines and muted colours. In "The Fishermen," the figures almost appear to be sculpted… FORMER ORMEAU BAKERYThe Ormeau Bakery, established in 1875 by Robert Wilson, flourished under three generations of the Wilson family
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GABAR SCULPTURE BY SIMON CARMANSimon Carman is a talented sculptor based in Ireland. He grew up in Dublin and followed in the footsteps of his mother, renowned sculptress Cathy Carman GAS YARD LANELocated in the heart of Malahide Village, Gas Yard Lane might seem like an unassuming residential street. GLASNEVIN 18 MARCH 2008Revisiting my March 2008 visit to Glasnevin Cemetery, I recall a conscious shift in my approach GOLDENBRIDGE CEMETERYIn May 2017, this historic Dublin cemetery reopened its gates, offering new family burial plots for the first time in nearly 150 years. Prior to this, access…
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HAS BEEN DEMOLISHEDThe Táin Wall, created in 1974, stood as a testament to Kinney's artistic vision and his deep appreciation for Irish folklore. Located near Nassau Street, the… HENRITTA STATUEThough Henrietta no longer graces the park, the photographs taken of her amidst the historic snow of January 2010 remain vital historical records. They capture…
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INSCRIBED IN STONEIt's important to remember that while graffiti is often seen as vandalism today, it has a long and complex history that reflects the human desire to communicate… INSCRIBED IN STONEIt's important to remember that while graffiti is often seen as vandalism today, it has a long and complex history that reflects the human desire to communicate…
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JAFFE MEMORIAL IN BELFASTThe Jaffe Memorial Fountain, a gilded cast-iron structure, stands as a unique monument in Belfast's Victoria Square Shopping Centre. Commissioned in 1874 by… JANUARY SNOW 2010A personal account of severe winter weather disruptions traveling between Brussels and Dublin during Ireland's historic 2009 cold spell. Discover how unexpected… JUNE 2008In 2008, Dublin's docklands were a stark contrast to their former glory, bearing the scars of an economic downturn.
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LAUGHANSTOWNPhotographed In September 2011 By William Murphy LE EMERLÉ Emer (P21), named after the wife of the mythical hero Cú Chulainn, was a proud vessel of the Irish Naval Service. LE EMERLÉ Emer (P21), named after the wife of the mythical hero Cú Chulainn, was a proud vessel of the Irish Naval Service. LEHAUNSTOWN PARK HOUSEIn 2011, Lehaunstown Park House presented a stark contrast to the envisioned transformation of the Cherrywood SDZ. LINDSAY'S AFRICA PROJECTThis may have been a personal charity project operated by Lindsay Rountree between 2005 and 2010
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MALAHIDE 2008The small beach area near the marina at the Green in Malahide is considered to be part of Malahide Beach, even though the main sandy beach is further along the… MALAHIDE STRANDIn May 2008, Malahide beach was a vast expanse of sand, stretching towards the horizon MANCHESTER MARTYRS MEMORIALWithin the hallowed grounds of Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery, amidst the weathered headstones and solemn monuments, stands a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment… MASTER CATALOGExamples of Public Art as photographed and published by William Murphy (Infomatique) McCLURE STREET AND CAMERON STREETIn May 2017, I explored an unfamiliar area of Belfast, walking along McClure Street and Cameron Street, their boundaries blurring into one another. MINI CLUBMANFirst Generation (1969-1980): The original Clubman was introduced as a slightly larger and more practical version of the classic Mini. It featured a squarer… MOUNT JEROME DECEMBER 2014Founded in 1836 as Ireland's first privately owned cemetery, it quickly became the final resting place for many prominent figures from Dublin's 19th-century… MOUNT ST LAWRENCELocated in the South Liberties area of Limerick City, Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery stands as a poignant testament to the city's history. Since its consecration…
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NEW LARGER HOTELIn June 1963, the site was at the centre of a tragic incident that shook the community. The demolition of a building to make way for a petrol station led to the… NUKI CHINESE RESTAURANTNuki Tea House, located on the corner of Lower George's Street and York Road in Dun Laoghaire, is a Chinese restaurant that specialises in tea and dim sum. It…
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OLDER PART OF CEMETERYCeltic crosses, ringed Celtic crosses, and high crosses are ubiquitous in Irish graveyards and cemeteries, their presence intertwined with the country's rich…
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PEOPLES FLOWER GARDENThe People's Flower Gardens are a beautiful and historic part of Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland. POISE BY ANGELA CONNEREvoking a sense of tranquility, 'Poise' is a captivating kinetic sculpture by renowned British artist Angela Conner. PUMPING STATIONNot just a pumping station: This building, located at the junction of Vernon Avenue and Clontarf Road, actually houses three things:
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QUEENS UNIVERSITYThe difference in terminology between Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin is rooted in historical and cultural factors, rather than any…
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REALLY TALL SCULPTUREI have fact-checked the information provided in various accounts and corrected the height of the sculpture, which is 39.3 metres, not 35.3 metres as sometimes… RECLINING FIGUREThis striking bronze sculpture, "Reclining Figure", by Frederick Edward McWilliam (1909-1992), was relocated in 2013 from the David Keir Building quadrangle to… RED BRICK WALLThese images, captured in May 2017 and remastered in July 2024, showcase the vibrant street art scene in Belfast. They feature the works of two renowned…
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SANDYMOUNT STRANDI had intended to walk along Merrion Strand to Sandymount but abandoned the idea after five minutes due to the unpleasant smell and the difficulty of walking in… SCULPTURE 2014Sculpture in Context promotes artists and creates opportunities for practicing artists to exhibit their works in a wider public arena. The organisation has… SCULPTURE BY ORLA DE BRIThis striking sculpture, "The Bastard Son of Sisyphus", by Orla de Brí, is located in Park West, Dublin. It offers a contemporary interpretation of the Greek… SLEEPING PATTERNS MURALSWhen I photographed this in June 2016 I was not aware that the site would be demolished to make way for the Opera Square development. SLEEPING PATTERNS MURALS 2017Sleeping Patterns murals by the Church of Best Ever. This particular mural no longer exists but the second one of the pair is still to be seen on the wall of… SMALL DERELICT SITEBelfast's issue of dereliction is multifaceted and stems from various historical, infrastructural, economic, and social factors. SQUARE CROP EXPERIMENTThe architecture of Glasnevin naturally invites vertical lines, yet forcing the frame can compromise the environmental context.. Source: Ibrahim Alkan / Getty… ST ANTHONY'S CHURCHMany are familiar with Saint Anthony’s Church on Clontarf Road, but fewer realise that the current parish church is actually situated behind an older building,… ST JOHN THE BAPTISTSt John the Baptist Church on Clontarf Road is a Catholic church with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. STREET ART AT CRAMPTON COURTDublin City Council's "Love the Lanes" initiative aimed to revitalise the city's laneways. Crampton Court, off Essex Street, was transformed as part of this…
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THE ANGELS PLOT AS IT WAS IN 2009A photographic retrospective of the Angels Plot at Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery explores its emotional 2010 transformation from a chaotic site of informal family… THE BEST CHEFMy mother spent time with my brother in Hong Kong and liked to visit Chinese/Asian restaurants so she decided that she show would like to celebrate her birthday… THE CAMPUSThe difference in terminology between Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin is rooted in historical and cultural factors, rather than any… THE CROSS IN THE FIELDWhile questions about the crosses' exact ages persist, their enduring presence and the rich history of Tully Church remain undeniable THE DOLLS SOCIETYI first noticed this in June but it was raining so I did not investigate I had assumed that it was a Dolls Hospital or a Toy Shop. THE GATE LODGEThere were actually two gate lodges associated with Belfast Botanic Gardens, both with interesting histories THE GIFT OF LIFEIn the tranquil setting of Belfast's Botanic Gardens, the Gift of Life Candle sculpture stands as a poignant tribute to the selfless individuals who have given… THE MAIN GLASSHOUSEThe main glasshouse at Belfast Botanic Gardens is the Palm House. It is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear cast-iron glasshouse and predates the… THE MAOI SCULPTUREIt was presented to the City of Dublin by the Government of Chile in November 2004 as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations. THE McCABE MEMORIALThe monument's unique design stands out amidst the more traditional headstones. It's a captivating blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Moorish elements, showcasing… THE OLD BATHSIn 2008, the Dún Laoghaire Baths stood as a relic of the town's Victorian past. THE SEA STALLIONAt the end of June 2008, the Sea Stallion from Glendalough, a reconstructed Viking longship, embarked on its historic journey back to its home port of Roskilde,… THE SEA STALLIONAt the end of June 2008, the Sea Stallion from Glendalough, a reconstructed Viking longship, embarked on its historic journey back to its home port of Roskilde,… THE SON OF PROTAGORASMTO is a renowned street artist known for his politically charged murals in cities around the world. His true identity remains a mystery, adding to the allure… THE THREE GRACESThe Three Graces, daughters of Zeus in the classical world, symbolise youth, mirth and elegance THE YEAR 2009The Year 2009 Legacy Photo Collection Is Managed By The Urban Cartographer TRIBUTE TO VERA BRESLINJohn's mural for Dún Laoghaire Anseo pays tribute to Vera Breslin, whose fish stall was a familiar part of the landscape of the town for many years. TULLY BURIAL GROUNDTully Church is part of a pre-Norman ecclesiastical settlement, occupying the high point of the Cherrywood Planning Scheme area. TULLY CHURCHTully Church is part of a pre-Norman ecclesiastical settlement, occupying the high point of the Cherrywood Planning Scheme area TULLY CHURCHTully Church is part of a pre-Norman ecclesiastical settlement, occupying the high point of the Cherrywood Planning Scheme area TWO WEEKS IN BRUSSELS 2009A personal log from a street photographer reflecting on Christmas 2009 and a 60th birthday in Brussels. Despite extreme snow and camera gear failure, the city's…
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U2 WALLThe origins of this artistic outpouring trace back to the 1980s, coinciding with U2's rise to international fame. U2 WALL JUNE 2008The origins of this artistic outpouring trace back to the 1980s, coinciding with U2's rise to international fame.
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VERY OLD CROSSESThese crosses likely predate the current church and were important markers of faith, devotion, and artistry during the early Christian period in Ireland VERY OLD CROSSESThese crosses likely predate the current church and were important markers of faith, devotion, and artistry during the early Christian period in Ireland VICTORIAN BANDSTANDThe bandstand, like its twin in Woodvale Park, is a testament to the popularity of outdoor music and entertainment in the early 20th century. These structures… VICTORIAN SHELTERThe only information that I could find that related to the shelter was that there is an active charity with a mission to protect and maintain the Botanic… VIKING SHIPIn 2007 and 2008, the Sea Stallion from Glendalough, a meticulously crafted replica of the Skuldelev 2 Viking ship, embarked on an epic voyage from Roskilde,… VISUAL WASTEDean Kane, better known as "Visual Waste," has been an integral part of Belfast's burgeoning street art scene since at least 2017, when I first photographed his… VOLVO FIRE ENGINEThe Volvo FM-330 SRT SRP (Specialist Rescue Pump) with registration number ERZ-9062, built by Browns, and call sign Romeo Tango 190 is a specific type of fire…
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WAR MEMORIALThe War Memorial at Queen's University Belfast stands as a poignant tribute to the members of the university community who lost their lives in World War I and… WAS MCCLURE DEPARTMENT STOREThis attractive building at the junction of McClure Street and Ormeau Road, formerly known as McClure's Department Store, has been converted into offices. This… WHY THIS NAMEThe name comes from the resemblance of the number “1” to an eye, specifically the shape of the letter “I.” So when the bingo caller announces “Kelly’s Eye,”… WRITTEN IN STONEMount St Lawrence graveyard, located in the South Liberties, has been the primary place of burial in Limerick City for all strata of society since its opening…
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YUAN MING YUAN IN CORK CITYThe selection of Chinese restaurants is somewhat limited so by default I usually have lunch at Yuan Ming Yuan as I really like the restaurant