Irish Photohistorian: Sean Sexton

[Michael Wong]

It has been said that Sean Sexton's collection of Irish photos is one of the greatest in the world. The critically acclaimed Sexton collection has been published in several books, including The Irish: A Photohistory (Amazon link on the right: ISBN-10: 0500510970) with remarkable images depicting Ireland’s history from 1840 to 1940, and exhibited in many countries.

He is known to be incredibly knowledgeable, with a gift of spotting 'undiscovered' material. One being a photo album of images by a Royal Academician, Sir Frank Brangwyn, which he paid £1,500 in a Christie's auction, and sold 4 months later for a killing at a Sotheby's sale. Is is now on offer by an American dealer for about $375,000 to $400,000.

An exhibition of Sexton's collection will be on display at the Gallery of Photography, Dublin from 14th - 21st October. Details will be posted in the 'Events' section later in the week.

[Michael Wong]

For those who can't make it to the exhibition, a review by the Irish Times can be found here.


Photo: Unknown labourer from 1858, Sean Sexton Collection

[Michael Wong]

Details of the exhibition is now available here, as well as an accompanying public talk.