Nassau Street/Grafton Street

I love just about all the photographs I feature here - the romantic in me loves imagining what became of the people in them and comparing the changes in the physical locations. However, it's unavoidable that some will appeal to me more than others and as such, the picture on the left is one of my favourites of those I've featured to date. I remember this man with the top hat and umbrella every time I turn the corner from Grafton Street onto Nassau Street.

1960s advert

The buildings on the left reaching down Suffolk Street are mostly intact, besides that unfortunate light coloured modern fronted building. Although it was situated around the corner on Dame Street when this photograph was taken, one constant that still exists today is Barnardo's Furriers, the green storefront on the far right of the modern picture.

Established in 1812 by John Barnardo, the business lays claim to being the oldest family of furriers in the world. John Barnardo was the father of Dr Thomas John Barnardo, who founded the eponymous charity. Despite fur falling decidedly out of fashion, the business continues to this day. Security is tight though as there is an ongoing campaign from animal rights organisations to close the shop, and protests occur there on a regular basis.

References:

CLAR26, National Photographic Archive
Left: www.news4.ie
Right: Bailey Allen archive, NUI Galway