In My Grandfather’s Time exhibition opens in Crossmolina

AN exhibition of photographs from the Jack Leonard Collection, curated by his grandson Anthony Leonard, has gone on display in Crossmolina Civic Centre.

Among the guests to visit the exhibition was well-known photographer Michael Donnelly, Ballyheane and Crossmolina, pictured with Anthony Leonard, Ballisodare, at photos of their great-grandmother, Cate Leonard, and the Leonard family, Gortskeddia, Crossmolina, part of the Jack Leonard Collection.

The exhibition is titled In My Grandfather's Time and features a selection of Jack Leonard’s photographs, curated by grandson Anthony.

Jack (J.J.) Leonard was born in Crossmolina in 1882 and emigrated to England in 1900, where he trained with the Illustrated London News (ILN) in journalism, illustration and photography.

He returned to Ireland in 1906 and set up his photographic business. His work took him around Co. Mayo, to ordinary families who put on their best attire to have ‘their likeness recorded’, the ‘Big Houses’, the clergy, and the local and national media.

He photographed many political meetings in the lead up to the 1910 election.

Politically active, he was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians before joining the Irish Volunteers. During the War of Independence and Civil War he continued to take photographs, with images including volunteers at training camps, funerals of volunteers, as well as images which functioned to provide panoramic views of possible ambush sites.

The exhibition is on display in the civic centre, Mullenmore Street, Crossmolina, until August 23, which will give viewers plenty of time to call. The opening times are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.

This is a rare opportunity to view these images of Crossmolina and north Mayo.