Teresa Reilly, Flower Seller on the Corner of Grafton Street, Dublin, Ireland, 1946

Lee Miller , American, 1907-1977

Title

Date2020

MediumPlatinum print

Dimensions

Image: 21 × 21 cm

48 × 38 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 2021

Object numberNGI.2021.13

DescriptionIn November 1946, Lee Miller was commissioned by British Vogue to visit Dublin. Miller was tasked to illustrate the article “When James Joyce Lived in Dublin”, written by Joyce’s contemporary and friend Constantine P. Curran. Curran supplied Miller with a list of spots to visit, and the resulting photographs provide a remarkable record of not just Joyce’s old stamping ground, but of post-war Dublin. The article and photographs appeared in American Vogue in May 1947 and British Vogue in 1950.This photograph depicts Teresa Reilly, a flower seller who operated on the Corner of Grafton Street. Teresa inherited the business from her mother, and she has since passed the trade down to her daughter and granddaughter who still sell flowers on Grafton Street today. Miller seems to capture Teresa’s character and spirit in this image through her curious gaze. The blanket wrapped tightly around Teresa gives a familiar impression of a bitterly cold and windy day in Dublin.
ProvenancePurchased, 2021