City picture archive goes online

The National Library of Ireland has recently launched an archive of photographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that involves more than 34,000 photographs of Ireland between 1860 and 1954 charting how life and society changed in that period.

A variety of locations within Londonderry are featured in the collection including both St Columb’s and St Eugene’s Cathedrals, city centre streets and the riverfront.

Some pictures reveal how buildings have changed over the centuries whilst others show buildings that no longer exist.

Newly appointed director of the National Library of Ireland said the pictures come from a number of different collections including Easons, a number of newspapers and commercial photographers.

“The library holds the world’s largest collection of photographs relating to Ireland. These photographs are a rich source of primary research material and, as a means of understanding and engaging with the past, they are invaluable because they provide us with evidence of places, events, and people who shaped the nation, as well as providing insights into culture and social history, politics, art and landscape and natural history,” she said.

The entire archive can be viewed at www.nli.ie/digital-photographs.aspx.