As the centenary of the Easter Rising approaches, explore rare photographs of Dublin in ruins following the armed rebellion of Irish Republicans on 24 April 1916.
Few photographs were taken of this defining moment of the struggle for Irish independence but an exhibition in London provides a unique insight into the six days of fighting.
The Sean Sexton collection, currently on display at the Photographer’s Gallery, features images ranging from portraits of executed leaders, evictions, hunger strikers, souvenir postcards, albums, stereoscopic views, press and military photographs.
Here are a few highlights, with high resolution images available via Bridgemanimages.com
Dublin in ruins during the rebellion in 1916
Dublin in ruins, 1916. Stereoview published by Realistic Travels Publishers / Bridgeman Images
O’Connell Street in ruins, Dublin, 1916 Irish Photographer / Bridgeman Images
British troops at a barricade in Dublin during the rebellion
Easter Rising scene, 1916 (b/w photo), Irish Photographer / Bridgeman Images
The British army quickly suppressed the rebellion, leading to an unconditional surrender on Saturday April 29. The rebels, who numbered about 1,500, had failed to capture Dublin’s ports and railway stations so the British were able to bring in thousands of reinforcements. By the end of the week there were 16,000 troops in the city.
This picture was unusual in that it appears to have been taken during the hostilities despite the blanket censorship enforced by the authorities.
Find out More
View the Sean Sexton collection in the Bridgeman archive for further material documenting Irish history. Contact uksales@bridgemanimages.com for licensing and clearing copyright.
Exhibition: From January 22 until April 3. Details: thephotographersgallery.org.uk.
