THE DAY I PHOTOGRAPHED MAUREEN'S SHOP IN STONEYBATTER
Over the years, I've noticed a curious pattern: small shop owners in certain areas often object to street photography. This has been particularly noticeable in Dublin 7, specifically in Stoneybatter and Phibsborough.
One memorable incident occurred in 2011. A local, perhaps with a mischievous glint in their eye, suggested I photograph Maureen's Grocery on Stoneybatter Place. Maureen's was a beloved institution, a cornerstone of the community, known for its friendly atmosphere and its owner, Maureen McGuinness, a legendary character with a dry wit and a reputation for being a bit of a pessimist.
Eager to capture a slice of Stoneybatter life, I aimed my lens at the shopfront. No sooner had I snapped the photo than I found myself on the receiving end of a verbal barrage. The owner was furious, her words laced with aggression. I couldn't help but wonder if I'd been set up by the person who'd recommended the shot.
The experience was a stark reminder of the delicate balance between documenting everyday life and respecting the wishes of those who inhabit it. It also highlighted the unique power of small businesses like Maureen's, which, despite their unassuming facades, often hold a deep-rooted significance within their communities.
Today, Maureen's Grocery is no more. In its place stands Little Deer Comics, a testament to the ever-changing nature of our urban landscapes. But the memory of that encounter on Stoneybatter Place remains etched in my mind, a reminder of the complex interplay between art, commerce, and community.
Maureen's Grocery, well-known, beloved institution, in Stoneybatter, Dublin, Maureen McGuinness, the owner,legendary character, Little Deer Comics, independent, comic book shop, specialising in small press, creator-owned comics,
One memorable incident occurred in 2011. A local, perhaps with a mischievous glint in their eye, suggested I photograph Maureen's Grocery on Stoneybatter Place. Maureen's was a beloved institution, a cornerstone of the community, known for its friendly atmosphere and its owner, Maureen McGuinness, a legendary character with a dry wit and a reputation for being a bit of a pessimist.
Eager to capture a slice of Stoneybatter life, I aimed my lens at the shopfront. No sooner had I snapped the photo than I found myself on the receiving end of a verbal barrage. The owner was furious, her words laced with aggression. I couldn't help but wonder if I'd been set up by the person who'd recommended the shot.
The experience was a stark reminder of the delicate balance between documenting everyday life and respecting the wishes of those who inhabit it. It also highlighted the unique power of small businesses like Maureen's, which, despite their unassuming facades, often hold a deep-rooted significance within their communities.
Today, Maureen's Grocery is no more. In its place stands Little Deer Comics, a testament to the ever-changing nature of our urban landscapes. But the memory of that encounter on Stoneybatter Place remains etched in my mind, a reminder of the complex interplay between art, commerce, and community.
Maureen's Grocery, well-known, beloved institution, in Stoneybatter, Dublin, Maureen McGuinness, the owner,legendary character, Little Deer Comics, independent, comic book shop, specialising in small press, creator-owned comics,
THE DAY I PHOTOGRAPHED MAUREEN'S SHOP IN STONEYBATTER