Sean Sexton, The Photo Historian of Ireland - with photographs

Great story and pic's. My grandparents from both sides came from Ireland. Each were born in the 1880's so some of the photos brings back the stories I was told as a little boy. Ireland was desperately poor and in fact, my Grandmother, who became quite wealthy in America, never wanted to set foot on Irish soil again. The memories and pain were too great. I now realize when I view these incredible pictures why she said that time and time again. (Eventually, she did go back in the 1950's) brianj.

Glad to see that Sean Sexton has found not one but several forums for his extraordinary collection of vintage Irish (and other) photographs. If only the man himself was so extraordinary. I first met him in a tiny shop that specialized in old photographs in London’s famous Camden Passage antique market. As though who know him will attest, he is extremely affable and friendly, particularly while sharing a pint or two. I learned the hard way that too often in this world not everything is at it appears. Being young and a babe-in-the-woods in the world of antiques, Sexton took major advantage of my naivete by charging me prices so obscene they would have made Blackbeard the Pirate blush. Yes, I am aware of the old adage, “Let the buyer beware.” And though it took me a while to catch on to his game, I became aware indeed, the hard way. My final dealings with him were when he attempted to sell an antique photo to me for 150 pounds that was worth perhaps 20. He attempted to justify this outrageous price by telling me an out and out lie about the subject matter (military in nature) that, as an expert in this area, I recognized at once as something he made up out of thin air. Finally realizing the crooked nature of this man, I ceased further dealings with him. Do I sound as if I have an axe to grind? Damn right–and it isn’t only me. My fellow collectors and dealers (I deal myself now) all recognize Sexton for the blackguard that he is. He is a disgrace to the collecting world. I do not hesitate to sign my real name. Indeed, I only hope that he sees this. In the meantime I will continue to expose this crook for who and what he is every chance I get. Rob Hirsh, Chicago, Illinois.

I'm a friend of Sean's and thought the article did his inate enthusiasm, eloquence and personality great justice. Andy

Anyone who had 50 acres of land in Ireland at any date,was privilaged, most POOR folk hadnt a blade of grass to call their own and if they had it was taken from them. Seans family were very privilaged.

My apologies, killowen, I am missing the point of your comment. Would you be so kind as to clarify it.

Benjamin Disraeli - another one needed to be highlighted as if him being g-d's gift to humanity. Its a constant, we have to do this tribe honor thing, time after time.

Ms. Lownes is rather dismissive of Walthamstow in her piece about one of its more prominent residents, Sean Sexton. In fact, this borough of northeast London is and has been home to some of the world's most prominent individuals. For example, the British prime ministers Benjamin Disraeli and Clement Attlee lived in Wlthamstow, as did the writer, poet and designer William Morris. What's more, a local engineer, Fredreick Bremer, built the first petrol-powered motor car in London and the first British aircraft, the Avro 1, took to the air in Walthamstow; a later iteration, the Avro Lancaster, was a mainstay bomber during the Second World War. Itwas also in Walthamstow that the coach of Winston Churchill, never a friend to the poor and disenfranchized, was overturned by protesters during Britain's General Strike of 1926. Other notable residents of Walthamstow are Phil Cullen, lead guitarist of Def Leppard; the late John Dankworth, jazz musician and composer;Phil D'Anno, lead singer of Iron Maiden; and David Beckham, perhaps Britain's bestknown footballer of late. Walthamstow might seem like a gritty backwater to those unfamiliar with it but, to those of us who went to school there, it remains a special place.