Since Frenchman Joseph Nicéphore Niépce unveiled the first ever camera in 1816, the concept of photography has developed into one of the most incredible industries in the world. Cameras provide us the unique opportunity to capture a moment in time and look back on it for the rest of our lives.
Through two centuries of technological breakthroughs, the camera has evolved to become one of the most recognisable devices in the modern world. Here in Dublin, there is arguably no one who has seen this evolution through a clearer lens than John Gunn, owner of John Gunn’s camera shop.
Photography has been a long-standing passion within the Gunn Family going back all the way to the end of World War Two when John’s mother, Lily, started her own darkroom business from home. Having been introduced to photography by his brother Tom, John and his wife Louise opened their first camera shop way back in 1971. Back then, cameras operated on a purely mechanical basis, using rolls of film rather than digital sensors.
Having called their little shop on Pleasant Street home for nine years, the pair relocated to Wexford St. because of increasing rent. John joked that if they “were to be screwed for rent, [they] might as well be screwed in the right place!” John expressed a feeling of gratitude that he bought the property, admitting if he hadn’t done so he’d never have been able to afford it.
In 1999 and 2001 they welcomed two daughters Cathy and Fiona, both deciding to continue the family legacy after graduating from their respective colleges.
Running a small business in Dublin can be tough, but for Cathy and Fiona, they’re ready to roll with the punches and do what it takes to keep the business alive.
“I mean, at one point we used to sell homebrew in here when the cameras weren’t bringing in enough money at the time. So, from that perspective, you know, if you’re a small business, you’re able to turn it around, absolutely.”
Younger generations seem to have fallen in love with film, a trend John’s daughter Cathy is absolutely on board with. “It is that generation, and they are just producing beautiful images, you know. And definitely Instagram and things like that have grown with the use of film.”
Taking over from their old-school father, who joked with us that he has zero interest in advertising, Cathy and Fiona look to bring, in their own words, “freshness and enthusiasm”. They take pride in continuing their parents’ legacy in this gorgeous local business and relish the chance to work together.
“We like to work in together, so, you know, you’re meeting people at their hobbies, so it’s a very enjoyable space to be in.” Despite all the challenges the photography industry has faced in the last half century, business is booming. So much so that Cathy joked her dad “didn’t get the chance to retire”.
The emergence of smartphones with ever improving built in cameras threatens to harm the camera shop industry. But Cathy and Fiona believe there is still very much a place for old-fashioned camera shops. She explained that once you develop an interest in photography, “you’re chasing quality, and at that point you probably find yourself coming into a camera store.”
John Gunn’s store has seen moments like Ireland joining the EU, The Good Friday Agreement and countless others through their always open front doors for the last 55 years. Through good times and bad, John’s store and legacy will be proudly carried on by his two daughters – a legacy that deserves credit as one of the staples of local business in Dublin city centre.
Words: Padraig Darcy & Erin Murray
Photos: Sasha Robertson
John Gunn Camera Shop, 16 Wexford St, Dublin 2.
