John Minihan, born in Dublin in 1946 and raised in Athy, County Kildare, had a passion for photography from a young age. At the age of 12, he moved to London and began his journey as an apprentice photographer with the Daily Mail. His talent and dedication led him to become the youngest staff photographer for the Evening Standard at the age of 21. While Minihan's career flourished in London, he never forgot his roots and made annual visits to his hometown of Athy to capture the essence of the people and their daily lives. These visits allowed him to document the authentic and intimate moments of his community. In addition to his work in Athy, Minihan had the opportunity to photograph numerous iconic figures during his time on Fleet Street. One of his most famous photographs is his snapshot of a 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer. He also had the privilege of photographing renowned playwright Samuel Beckett on multiple occasions. The portrait featured here showcases Seamus Heaney in his Dublin home, taken on the occasion of his 70th birthday. It is a testament to Minihan's ability to capture thenessence and personality of his subjects in a natural and authentic way.
John Minihan - Portrait of Seamus Heaney
