1871 - Thomas J. Wynne advertising his Photography Studio and Shop, Main Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Thomas Joseph Wynne (1838-1893) was an American-Irish photographer and shopkeeper. In 1867 he established a successful photographic studio in his shop on Market St. Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
As this fascinating self-promotional image attests, Wynne was involved in photography at all levels – taking portraits and commissions, copying manuscripts, as well as selling fine art reproductions etc. He photographed scenes of urban and rural life, featuring agricultural shows, sporting events, political meetings, evictions, and pilgrims at Knock and Croagh Patrick. His images of protests during the Land War are early examples of reportage. In addition to his studio portrait work, he undertook commissions throughout Connemara. He is best known for his portraits of public figures including Capt. Charles Boycott, the 3rd earl of Lucan and Archbishop John MacHale.

The object pictured at the bottom of this photo is a stereoscopic viewer – a popular device which was all the rage in the ‘better’ parlours during the latter half of the 19th century.

Image courtesy NLI WYN1