Fallen Horse at O'Connell Bridge, with Crowd and Tram. Dublin, Ireland, 1930

Father Francis Browne , Irish, 1880-1960

Title

Date2020

MediumPlatinum print

Dimensions

27.9 × 35.6 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 2020

Object numberNGI.2020.23

DescriptionFrancis Patrick Mary Browne, SJ, MC & Bar (known as Father Browne) was a prolific photographer. His best known photographs are those of the RMS Titanic and its passengers, taken in 1912 on board between Southampton and Cobh, and shortly after its final departure. His first introduction to photography was in 1897. Just prior to joining the Jesuits he went on a Grand Tour of Europe. For this trip his uncle Robert Browne, who raised and supported him, gave him his first camera and the pictures made on that journey showed great promise.

Throughout his photographic career, Father Browne photographed the streets of Dublin on many occasions and focussed primarily on transport, traffic controllers, and chance accidents, such as the one depicted in this image. Here, Browne has happened upon a fallen horse on one of Dublin’s busiest streets. He captures the commotion that ensues just after the accident has occurred and a number of men attempt to help the horse off of the ground while keeping the cart attached to it in place. This is one of many snaps Browne took of this accident. He is known for taking dozens of shots of the same person, place or event as he could not see the image on a viewfinder. Thus, he needed to do his best to ensure that at least one shot would be capable of printing if or when the time came.

ProvenancePurchased, 2020