Cork history in colour.

Here at Yay Cork we have admired the work of Rob Cross before, having previously featured his work on colourising a photo of Cork’s Coal Quay from 1900.

Yesterday, the photographer shared something that is perhaps even more interesting: his colourisation of Seán Collins by the coffin of his brother Michael, days after his assassination in Béal na mBláth.

The photograph, originally taken in black and white, shows Ireland’s former Minister for Finance and leading figure in both the War of Independence and Civil War, laid in his coffin, as his brother mourns, accompanied by what appear to be aides dressed in military garb. It was taken at Dublin’s City Hall, where Collins’ body lay in state for three days.

Cross noted fascinating details about the image that are brought to life by the colourisation, tweeting: “Apparently, the bandage on Sean’s hand is from a accident he got whist working on the family’s farm at Woodfield, Sam’s Cross, outside Clonakilty in Co. Cork.”

Bringing #Ireland's #History to Life. 🇮🇪🌹
My colourised 27th of August 1922 photo of Seán Collins beside the coffin of his brother, Michael Collins in #Dublin's City Hall where he lay in state for three days following his death at Béal na mBláth in Co. #Cork.#TheColourOfIreland pic.twitter.com/eiD1EKTIr7

— Rob Cross (@RobCross247) July 5, 2021

Cross has announced that his book ‘The Colour of Ireland – County by County 1850-1950’ is out on October 14th, and that pre-orders are now available at bookshops such as Eason and Dubray.

Header image via Rob Cross Photography.