A series of previously unseen photographs of the late Martin McGuinness chart the former deputy first minister’s life from his childhood in the Bogside until his retirement from politics.
The photographs from the McGuinness family’s private albums make up the greater part of “Martin: A Photographic Exhibition” which opened at Derry’s Gasyard Centre yesterday as part of the annual Gasyard Féile.
Mr McGuinness’s two sons, Fiachra and Emmet joined other family members as well as long-time colleague and friend, Mitchel McLaughlin at the official opening of the exhibition which runs until next Tuesday.
Among the most intriguing photographs is an image of the former deputy first minister as a child with other Bogside children and eephant. The picture was taken during a circus visit to Derry.
There are also pictures of Mr McGuinness as a child with his parents, William and Peggy and his brothers and sister. The exhibition features images from his time in the IRA in the Bogside, including one with former IRA leader, the late Sean Keenan.
Mr McGuinness’s move into the political arena is marked by a photograph of the Derry man under a huge crucifix in an apartment in Derry’s former Rossville flats complex. More recent pictures feature his late mother, Peggy on Derry’s walls as well as a recent family picture of Mr McGuinness cycling at Inch Island in County Donegal with his pet dog, Buttons.
The exhibition concludes with an early photograph bearing a quote from is final public appearance outside his home in January this year.
“I will always be very proud to be from the Bogside. I have ended up in many places throughout the world…but my heart lies in the Bogside and with the people of Derry.”
Mr McGuinness died following a short illness in March this year.