1921 Portrait of Sir Horace Plunkett: Irish Reform Leader

This historical photograph captures Sir Horace Plunkett in 1921, showcasing a key figure in the Irish agricultural reform movement. Plunkett, who played a significant role in promoting cooperative farming in Ireland, was a vocal advocate for using modern methods to improve agricultural practices. His efforts aimed to uplift the rural economy by organizing farmers into cooperative societies, which focused on collective purchasing and marketing strategies. This shifted the landscape of farming in Ireland, allowing smallholders to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Taken by the Bain News Service, this image exemplifies the early 20th-century technology of glass negatives, which enabled sharper, more detailed photographic images, a notable advancement over earlier methods. The choice of glass as a medium reveals insights into the practices of the time and highlights the significance of documenting influential figures like Plunkett. As a member of the Irish Parliament and the founder of the Irish Agricultural Organization Society, Plunketts contributions had a lasting impact on agricultural policy and rural life in Ireland, making this photograph an important record of that era.