Lafayette Photography has long been at the heart of Ireland’s visual history, capturing moments and individuals who shaped the nation. Among the many historical figures to pass through our studio, some of the most significant were those involved in the Irish Easter Rising of 1916 and the subsequent Civil War.
Through their portraits, we see not only their faces but also the weight of their ideals, struggles, and aspirations for Ireland. Yet, many people may not realise that some of the most iconic images from this period originated from the same studio—Lafayette Photography.
Founded in the late 19th century, Lafayette Photography quickly became the leading portrait studio in Dublin, renowned for its refined craftsmanship and ability to capture the essence of its sitters. As a result, many of Ireland’s key political and revolutionary figures sat for portraits at our studio over the years, either before, during, or after their involvement in the country’s tumultuous struggle for independence. The images that have since become synonymous with Ireland’s revolutionary past—seen in history books, documentaries, and museums—were, in many cases, created within our very studio.
Our archive contains images of some of the most influential individuals from this era, including Éamon de Valera, who was a pivotal figure in both the Easter Rising and the Irish Civil War. His repeated visits to the studio over the decades illustrate not just his personal evolution but also Ireland’s shifting political landscape. Similarly, James Connolly and Pádraig Pearse, two of the most recognised leaders of the Easter Rising, were captured in striking portraiture at Lafayette Photography. Their images, carefully composed, have become enduring symbols of Ireland’s fight for independence. Countess Constance Markievicz, a revolutionary, suffragette, and the first woman elected to the British Parliament, was also among those photographed by Lafayette Photography. Her image, like those of many of her contemporaries, serves as both a historical document and a lasting testament to her commitment to Ireland’s future.
These portraits, now widely recognised, are part of Lafayette Photography’s remarkable legacy in documenting history.
Portrait photography during this time was more than just a means of documentation—it played a crucial role in shaping public perception. In an era before widespread media coverage, formal studio portraits allowed figures like de Valera, Connolly, and Pearse to craft their public personas. These carefully composed images became part of their legacy, reproduced in newspapers, books, and later, in historical retrospectives. Many of these photographs, instantly recognisable today, originated from Lafayette Photography’s studio, a fact that remains lesser-known to the public.
As custodians of Ireland’s photographic heritage, Lafayette Photography continues to preserve and showcase these images, ensuring that the faces of Ireland’s revolutionary past remain vivid and accessible. Our archive offers a window into a pivotal time in history, connecting today’s generations with the figures who helped shape the nation. By associating these iconic portraits with their true origins, we aim to highlight Lafayette Photography’s vital role in capturing Ireland’s revolutionary era.
For those interested in exploring this rich visual history, we invite you to explore our collection and discover the portraits that tell Ireland’s story in ways that words alone cannot.
