Wandering Wicklow with Father Browne

Fr Frank Browne is Ireland's finest photographer in the 20th century, and this book showcases his images of County Wicklow over almost 50 years. The earliest photograph is of the Dargle Valley, and other pictures show landmark beauty spots such as the Powerscourt Waterfall and the Sugarloaf Mountain. The book is divided into six areas of Wicklow county, each a manageable day trip, and offers readers the chance to follow in Fr Browne's footsteps and take their own replica photographs. Fr Browne also noted the modern and innovative, capturing key moments in the development of a newly-independent Ireland, such as the construction of the Poulaphouca Reservoir and workers in the newly-opened Solus Teoranta Lightbulb Factory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2020
Publisher: Messenger Publications

Fr Frank Browne, widely recognized as Ireland's finest photographer of the 20th century, embarked on numerous journeys to County Wicklow over nearly fifty years. During this time, he had the privilege of capturing the evolving essence of this picturesque region while preserving its inherent charm. The earliest photograph in the book, depicting the Dargle Valley, remarkably resembles its current state, as seen in 1910 when Fr Browne first visited. This visual comparison is made evident through the inclusion of a color replica photograph of the Dargle Valley, one of twenty such replicas juxtaposed alongside Fr Browne's original works.

An introduction by editor Robert O Byrne provides valuable insights into the life and career of this renowned photographer, as well as the historical background of the various Wicklow locations featured in the book. Other photographs showcase iconic landmarks like the Powerscourt Waterfall and the Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as the rugged terrain of the Sally Gap. The monastic ruins of Glendalough are exquisitely captured, along with the tranquil waters of Lough Tay.

The book is organized into six manageable day trips within Wicklow County, accompanied by a convenient guide map. This allows readers to follow in Fr Browne's footsteps, perhaps even taking their own replica photographs. While his keen eye discerned the timeless beauty of this rural paradise, Fr Browne also observed the modern and innovative aspects of the region's development. He documented significant moments in Ireland's journey towards independence, such as the construction of the Poulaphouca Reservoir in the late 1930s and workers at the newly established Solus Teoranta Lightbulb Factory in Bray.

In his photographs, cars are scarce, but bicycles are abundant. The contrast between modern technology and traditional pastimes is evident, with scenes like a horse fair in Blessington and sheep dipping in a nearby river. Fr Frank Browne's remarkable photographs offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of County Wicklow's history and culture, capturing both the timeless allure and the dynamic changes that have shaped this picturesque region over the years.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 188 x 245 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788122689