Photographic Archive

Down County Museum has a wide selection of images in its collection. This archive has been built up over the last twenty years mainly by copying prints lent to us by local people. Early photographs are represented by original examples of daguerrotypes, ambrotypes and tintypes, while images have been copied from the albums of families whose enterprising ancestors were among the first to experiment with the new process. By the end of the 19th century, when photography was in wider use, we can catch glimpses of the people of County Down, in their homes or at work, as well as in studio portraits.

We have launched a new online database which gives our site users direct access to selected photographic archives. Click here to access.

A concert was held in the Assembly Rooms, Downpatrick to raise money for soldiers in the Boer War, in 1901. Here you can see the performers photographed outside the Governor's Residence.

We have important collections of photographs covering the 20th century; of special note are those representing the work of three local photographers. Those taken by Thomas Gribben of Dinanew, Loughinisland, span the years from about 1912 to the 1930s and were taken of his own community.

John Doran in Irish Volunteer uniform, photographed by Tommy Gribben

Pat Hudson, formerly of Kilkeel, photographed his home town and the South Down area in the 1930s and 1940s.

A striking image of boatbuilding at Kilkeel, photographed by Pat Hudson

Finally, and the biggest collection, is that of the late Daniel J McNeill (DJ as he was affectionately known), and covers the 1950s to 1980s. From 1981, the museum has been adding to the archive with photographs taken by our own staff.

Children queuing for ice cream at Tyrella, photographed by D J McNeill

There are gaps in this record, which we realise and try to fill, especially when we are preparing for new exhibitions. We would certainly like more 19th century photographs, particularly any illustrating social and technological changes.

More images from the early 20th century would be welcomed, specifically from the period of the First and Second World Wars, showing life in County Down at that time. Photographs of people at work, especially of women in offices and mills, would be very useful. We would also like to see the northern and eastern parts of the county better represented to provide more complete geographical coverage. If you think you can help, please contact the Keeper of Collections, Lesley Simpson, or the Assistant Keeper, Madeleine McAllister.

Complementing the photographic archive is our collection of cameras. These range from a No 2 Bulls Eye camera, one of the first Kodak roll film box cameras to be made in the United States, between 1895 and 1913, to a modern, once use type, purchased locally in recent times. There are cameras used by professionals and amateurs, cine cameras, a range of novelty and miniature types and darkroom equipment.