Search Results for 'Edmund Hill'

The first motor car was imported into Ireland in 1896. The early ones were steam-powered and badly suited to Ireland’s climate and roads. There was no surface on the roads, lots of potholes left by horses and animals, and of course pedestrians who were unfamiliar with motor cars. Some thought they were parts of trains that had broken off, noisy and smelly vehicles driven by faceless people – drivers wore goggles and head coverings to keep smoke from the engines and road dust from irritating their eyes and nose. Others thought they were the devil’s work and would bless themselves and say a prayer as these cars went by.

This photograph, dated 1905, was part of an advertisement for Hill & Co Cycle Makers and for Hill’s Dublin Studio, a photographic gallery. Both of these were located in this building in Lower Dominick Street. You have to hand it to Edmund Hill, he was a dab hand at publicity, and advertised extensively.