Historic Crookedwood cottage photo now in restored colour
Biddy Gray’s cottage in Crookedwood and Custume Barracks, Athlone, both feature in Old Ireland in Colour 2, a sequel to the first edition, which was the number one bestseller in Ireland for the last year.
This month sees the publication of the latest edition which again features amazing historical images painstakingly colourised and restored, complete with informative captions.
The picture of Biddy Gray’s cottage was taken around 1890 and is a typically if evocative rural scene. It features a thatched cottage, a pony and trap with the driver seated, a bearded man in top hat and overcoat, a woman in shawl, apron and boots and three children in slightly torn clothes.
The man is addressing the woman, who is holding a small child while the other two children look on. You can see a hen loitering at the half front door. The scene is poignant and leaves you wondering what the well-dressed man is talking to the woman about.
The picture of the taking over of Custume Barracks was taken on February 25, 1922 and sourced from the National Library of Ireland.
Following the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty, the British Army withdrew from Ireland throughout 1922 and the National Army took over.
The barracks was originally built as temporary accommodation for cavalry and infantry units in 1691 and named after Sergeant Custume, who defended the Bridge of Athlone from the forces of King William 111 during the 1690 Siege of Athlone.
After the takeover by the army of the Irish Free State, the barracks served as headquarters of the 4th Western Brigade until it was disbanded.
Old Ireland in Colour 2 delves deeper into historical archives than the first edition to uncover captivating photographic gems and brings them to life using their unique blend of cutting-edge technology, historical research and expert colourisation.
It celebrates the rich history of Ireland and its people, from all walks of life in all 32 counties.
The book is divided into six sections – politics and revolution, children and school, working life, sport and leisure, Ireland and the world, and urban and rural scenes.
With more than 150 images accompanied and captions, the book is the perfect portrait of life in Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries. From the chaos of the revolutionary period to the simple beauty of the islands, from the iconic to the domestic, there is something new and inspiring to be gleaned from every page.
Both editions were compiled by John Breslin, a professor at NUI Galway, and Sarah-Anne Buckley, who lectures in history there. It is published by Merrion Press and retails at €24.95. Like its predecessor, it promises to be a popular stocking filler for Christmas.