The Blue Plaque Trail: Annie Brophy

Annie Brophy was born in Johnstown in Waterford and worked for practically her entire adult life, from 1922 to 1978, as a professional photographer in her native city. She initially trained with Hughes Photographers, Manor Street before setting up her own business in her house at 9 Barker Street. She was the first female professional photographer in Waterford and one of the first in Ireland.

Although most of the images in the collection are family and individual portraits there are also many views of buildings and streets. Her photographic record is an invaluable source for the study of the changing streetscape of Waterford. Annie also photographed some of the important local events in the history of Waterford. Living in Barker Street she photographed the aftermath Gaol Wall Disaster in 1943. Her photographic collection, amounting to over 60,000 negatives and prints was acquired by Waterford City Council, and is now housed in Waterford City Archives.

Waterford Civic Trust has installed numerous Blue Plaques in the city to commemorate a link between a particular location and a famous person or event.