Introduction
Welcome!
Much of this site is devoted to my work on political wall murals, especially in Northern Ireland. However, it does also relate to the research I have carried out on political wall murals elsewhere. Finally, it will direct you to other research and publications of mine on a wide range of issues, from unemployment in West Belfast to the sexual attitudes and behaviour of young people in Northern Ireland, and from novels of 'the troubles' to the complex question of dealing with the legacy of past conflict.
Much of this site is devoted to my work on political wall murals, especially in Northern Ireland. However, it does also relate to the research I have carried out on political wall murals elsewhere. Finally, it will direct you to other research and publications of mine on a wide range of issues, from unemployment in West Belfast to the sexual attitudes and behaviour of young people in Northern Ireland, and from novels of 'the troubles' to the complex question of dealing with the legacy of past conflict.
With Albie Sachs, ANC activist and former judge at the South African Constitutional Court, in front of mural of Nelson Mandela, Northumberland Street, 2018.
Muralist Mike Alewicz with former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and Sinn Féin councillor Margaret McClellan, in front of Malcolm X mural, Ardoyne Avenue, 2002.
Muralists Danny Devenny and Mark Ervine with artist Bobby Ballagh, in front of Guernica mural, Divis Street, 2002.
Jackie McDonald, UDA, and Martin McGuinness, Sinn Féin, in front of Bobby Sands mural, Sevastopol Street, 2010.
With Amy Goodman, Democracy Now, in front of Leonard Petlier mural at the International Wall, Divis Street, 2017.
Doreen Lawrence, mother of Stephen who was murdered in London in 1993, with muralists Danny Devenny and Marty Lyons in front of anti-racism mural, Divis Street, 2012.
Wall murals in Northern Ireland
Loyalists have been painting political wall murals in the North of Ireland since 1908, and republicans since 1981. I have been photographing murals in Northern Ireland systematically since 1981 and now have around 2,000 images. Some of these have been reproduced in the four books I have published on the subject. These books are available for sale through the 'Shop' link above.
On this site you will find a sample of the republican and loyalist murals. And on the next page you will find an article tracing the history of the tradition.
With Nettie Washington Douglass, great great granddaughter of Frederick Douglass, in front of mural of Frederick Douglass, Northumberland Street, 2012.
With Paul Rusesabagina who, while working as a hotel manager in Kigali, hid and protected 1,268 Hutu and Tutsi refugees from the Interahamwe militia during the Rwandan genocide, in front of UDA mural, Hopewell Crescent, 2009.
With artists Victor Ochoa, Danny Devenny, Donal Ó Dalaigh, Mo Chara and others, and Gerry Adams MP, during painting of Steve Biko mural, Falls Road, 1997.
With artists Danny Devenny and Mark Ervine at unveiling of Guernica mural, Divis Street, 2007.
Wall Murals elsewhere
My interest in wall murals in the North of Ireland led me to look at murals elsewhere in recent years. I have travelled to a number of countries, researched political murals there and written about them.
On this site you will find a sample of photographs of these other examples of political mural painting along with references to the articles I have written.
My interest in wall murals in the North of Ireland led me to look at murals elsewhere in recent years. I have travelled to a number of countries, researched political murals there and written about them.
On this site you will find a sample of photographs of these other examples of political mural painting along with references to the articles I have written.
With John Bishop, Northumberland Street, 2019.
With Sean Bean and friend at Chilean mural, Northumberland Street, 2015.
Damien Dempsey at anti-racism mural, Divis Street, 2005.
Other Research and Publications
Finally, this website lists my other publications beyond the issue of wall murals, and provides links to a number of the publications concerned.
With support team for Colombian President Santos on his visit to Belfast, at International Wall, Divis Street, 2016.
Pro-Palestine rally for Nakba Day, near Palestinian mural, Divis Street, 2016.
