The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to present an exhibition of the photographs of William Despard Hemphill (1816-1902). Dr. Hemphill was a native of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and this wonderful exhibition opened in the Main Guard, Clonmel last July and proved very popular.

The exhibition in the State Apartments, Dublin Castle will be officially opened by David Davison of Davison & Associates Ltd., one of Ireland's best-known commercial photographic companies, at 17.30.

Hemphill’s images – portraits, still life, architecture and scenery – are records of immense historical value. They are also sublime works of art, inviting us to reflect on temporal beauty, artistic rendering and photography as interpretation. He was among the first to photograph in detail antiquities such as the Rock of Cashel, Holycross Abbey and Cahir Castle.

Visitors to the exhibition in Dublin Castle will have the opportunity to view some of Hemphill's 3D photography - experiencing them as the Victorians would have - through special 3D viewers known as stereoscopes.

Alongside the exhibition, the OPW has produced an illustrated publication: William Despard Hemphill, Irish Victorian Photographer edited by Dr Karol Mullaney-Dignam, depicting the life and times of this almost forgotten photographer.

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Notes to Editors:

Photography from the opening event will be available from www.lensmen.ie

Venue: State Apartments, Dublin Castle

Enquiries: Telephone: +353 1 645 8813 E-mail: dublincastle@opw.ie Facebook: Dublin Castle

Dates: From October 24th to December 31st.

Times: Monday – Saturday 09.45 – 16.45 Sunday and Bank Holidays 12noon - 16.45

Admission: Free

Exhibition type: Visual Art - Photography