.hey say certain smells will remind you of specific occasions,
people or places, and, for me, smelling the chemicals used
in a photographer’s darkroom instantly take me back to my
childhood and memories of my granddad and his home and
studio at 50 Francis Street. Growing up, I spent a lot of time
with my granddad and my aunt Maureen, who lived at number
50 too. My two older brothers were in the scouts and weekends
for them meant hiking or camping, but I chose to spend my
weekends being cared for in Francis Street.
When I start to think about my grandfather, John Walsh,
warm, funny and loving memories come flooding back to me. He
was a great man. When I reflect on his life, the words that come
to mind are hard-working, respectful, humble, ingenious, family
man and total legend – though it is impossible to summarise
just how kind and special he really was. I never thought I
would be writing a book about him and his work, but I am so