Call for plaque to T.J. Wynne, Mayo photography pioneer

by Auld Stock

THOMAS Joseph Wynne (1838-1893), Main Street, Castlebar, is rightly regarded as one of the leading pioneers of photography in Ireland and England.

His mother was third daughter of Richard MacEvilly, postmaster, Ballyglass, Claremorris.

In 1861, T.J. Wynne established a newsagency and stationery shop in Castle Street, Castlebar, moving to a premises in Main Street in 1864.

He also provided a newspaper delivery service and lending library.

A substantial number of Wynne’s photographs have survived, including a collection of 3,000 prints presented to the County Library, Castlebar.

An interesting article on the life and times of T.J. Wynne by John Kilkelly was published in Castlebar Parish Magazine some years ago.

The people of Castlebar should feel proud of the work of Thomas Joseph Wynne.

I believe he should be remembered in Castlebar with a plaque erected to his memory on the shop where he traded and lived for many years.

Perhaps the Castlebar members of Mayo County Council might take this suggestion on board.

T.J. Wynne certainly deserves this honour.