Running 20 June-November
National Photographic Archive
Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 10am-4:45pm/Sun 12-4:45
From late June, the National Library of Ireland will partner with the Gallery of Photography to explore the creative legacy of American photographer and artist, Helen Hooker O’Malley (1905- 1993).
Ireland was Helen’s most important source of inspiration for over half a century. This decades-long love affair with the landscape, history and people of Ireland was ignited by her tumultuous relationship with revolutionary and author, Ernie O’Malley.
Having met Ernie, in the US during 1933, Helen braved family opposition to elope and marry him in London, 1935. The couple established homes in Dublin and Mayo and had three children together. Despite divorcing Ernie in 1952, Helen’s love of Ireland endured undiminished.
Helen photographed her life in Ireland from 1935 onwards. The National Library of Ireland’s collection of her work dates largely from the mid 1970’s, when she found a new freedom, enthusiasm and energy to pursue her art. These works demonstrate a mature creativity honed over a lifetime’s involvement in the visual arts. The exhibition includes iconic Irish landmarks, such as Croagh Patrick, portraits of Helen’s artistic circle, including Paddy Moloney and Mary Lavin, in addition to spontaneous images of everyday life in 1970’s Ireland.
About the National Photographic Archive
The National Photographic Archive is part of the National Library of Ireland (NLI), the library of record for Ireland. The NLI’s mission is to collect, protect, share, and make available the recorded memory of Ireland, in whatever form it takes. National Library collections are permanent, accessible by all, and the NLI aims to share the story of Ireland through unique collections.
The National Library of Ireland cares for more than ten million items including photographs, books, manuscripts, newspapers, prints, maps, drawings, ephemera, music, and digital media on behalf of the State for the people of Ireland. It is a great privilege, and an enduring responsibility.