On #Titanic109, we remember the importance of the #Titanic photographs taken by Fr. Frank Browne SJ. In 1912, Frank was gifted a 1st class ticket for the 1st 2 legs of the ship's maiden voyage. Onboard, he photographed the ship & occupants, recording the passenger experience. 1/
Fr. Browne's photographs provide us with a fascinating first-hand record of the experience of a passenger. His photos recorded some of the many passengers from all social classes onboard, the scale of the ship, and many of its sophisticated interiors. #Titanic 2/
Frank was offered cover of his fare for the third leg of the voyage by a family onboard. He arranged for a telegram to be sent to the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits to ask for permission to take up the offer. A short response was issued: “GET OFF THAT SHIP – PROVINCIAL”. 3/
As he left the ship, Fr. Browne unknowingly took what would be some of the last remaining photographs of the #Titanic. When the ship sank days later, Frank’s photographs were published on the front pages of newspapers across the world. 4/
The #Titanic photos form only a small section of the incredible photo-journalism work carried out by Fr. Browne throughout his life. He developed an incredible talent, capturing images of Ireland & the world during the immense changes that came w/ the turn of the 20th century. 5/
In 1915, Fr. Browne became a #WWI chaplain to the 1st Battalion of Irish Guards fighting in France & Southern Belgium. During his years at the front line, he visually documented the harrowing experiences & conditions of the soldiers, recording his views as a witness to war. 6/
Over his lifetime, Fr. Browne took over 42,000 photographs: spanning scenes in Ireland, England, Europe, Australia, & the wider world. His work recorded thousands of images of people & places which today provide an important visual history of 20th century Ireland & the world. 7/
Scéal Heritage is currently working on a new Fr. Browne exhibition with @opwireland, opening in 2022 at @emocourtopw, Frank's former home for many years. The new exhibition will be a chance to celebrate the life of Fr. Browne & recognise the importance of his photographic record.
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