A new photography exhibition featuring photographs of revolutionary era Ireland 1913-1923, is currently on display at the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks, as part of the Museum's contribution to the Decade of Centenaries commemorations - enjoy a gallery of images featured in the exhibition above.

Imaging Conflict features 150 images and five original photograph books from the NMI's collection relating to the Irish revolutionary era of 1913 – 1923, as well as images of Irish men and women in conflicts overseas. The majority of the images have not been on display publicly before.

Irish National Foresters Women's uniform. Studio postcard size photograph
of Mrs Byrne in uniform c.1919. The Irish National Foresters' Benefit Society
(Coillteoirí Náisiúnta na hÉireann in Irish) is an Irish friendly society. The INF began
in 1877 as a breakaway from the Ancient Order of Foresters after political
disagreements. It supported Irish nationalism.

In this period, photography became more accessible due to advances in technology, meaning that this became the first Irish revolution in which members of the public played such a key role documenting. Consequently, the varied formats – eyewitness snapshots, memorial cards, post-mortem photography, press photographs and staged battle scenes – provide a nuanced perspective of the period.

Photograph taken by W.D. Hogan, a photographer based in Henry Street, Dublin,
who took some of the best known photographs of the War of Independence
and the Civil War. This image shows Women Protesting in 1920.

Imaging Conflict also examines the production and consumption of photographic images in conflict situations and how they can be used as propaganda.

Republican funeral scene showing 13 coffins of executed Republicans
lying in state in the Hardwicke Hall.

A collaboration with Photo Museum Ireland, the exhibition is also part of In Our Own Image - photography and Ireland 1839 - now, a year-long centenary programme surveying the role of photography in recording, representing and shaping Irish cultural identities.

Imaging Conflict will run at the National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks until 2024. Admission is free - find out more here.