Bill Alford

First generation London Irish, Bill Alford arrived into Dublin from London in 1979, to study design at the NCAD. While exploring his cultural roots, from a cold-water flat in Rathmines, Bill immersed himself in the thriving creative melting pot of 1980s Dublin. Focussing his own creative urges through the study of photography, Bill threw himself into a lively social life, documenting his friends & peers on film as they in turn were busy establishing themselves amongst a home grown generation of musicians, writers & artists. In this pre digital era, pre internet and pre mobile phone, alchemy in the darkroom & analogue film were his tools. Working primarily with a second-hand 35mm SLR Bill captured this vibrant scene as it played out in the streets, the pubs, clubs, & colleges of the capital. Young artists & writers pushed boundaries. Lifelong friendships were forged over coffee and beer in pubs and bedsits. Romance & love blossomed side by side with the pain & anger being played out in 80's Ireland. Eventually in 1984 Bill returned to London in search of work, like many of his peers at the time. Working in the infamous Tunnel Club in S.E. London as house photographer every Sunday night and freelancing where he could, Bill finally returned to Dublin in 1990 to settle & has remained here since. Following spells in animation, design, IT and the deli counter at his local Supervalu – until it was time to return to his first love, photography.