View from Camden Quay, Cork, c.1912

There's a lot going on in this wonderful photograph from the Lawrence collection. Likely date is late 1912, or a bit later. In it, we see the busy citizens of Cork, of all backgrounds and ages. The working men delivering lumber and provisions, jarveys in their jaunting cars and impeccably dressed Edwardian ladies crossing Patrick's bridge. All of them, from the young child in her mother's arms, to the distinguished gentlemen chatting by the bridge, are wearing a cap or hat of some description.

In the distance, sporting a distinctive red colour (compared to today's battleship grey) is Brian Boru bascule bridge, erected in 1911. 

We get a very clear view of the old Merchant's quay, at the top of which is a barely-readable sign that, after some analysis, appears to be advertising 'River Steamer Excursions', consistent with the use of that corner of the quay in other photographs from the time.

Another rare gem is the 'Tivoli Theatre' promising 'Animated Pictures'. According to John McSweeney's excellent book 'The Golden Age of Cork Cinemas', the Tivoli was opened in November 1912 at No. 21 Merchant's Quay by a local business man. 'Billing itself as 'The Only up-to-date Picture Theatre in Cork', it was a very modern emporium for its time and has a continuous show from 4pm to 11pm daily. The Tivoli was unique in it's design features, as it guaranteed every patron would get a good view of the images on screen, regardless of where they were sitting. It also differed from many of the other picture houses, as the projector was located in a room separate from the rest of the auditorium'