Frankie Quinn was born into the Short Strand/Ballymacarrett community, where he still lives.
He began taking photographs in 1982, after his father gave him a camera and encouraged him to join the local camera club as a distraction from the political violence and tension which was growing across Belfast.
During this time, Frankie focused his lens and eyes on documenting his changing neighbourhood which was set to be lost to time with new redevelopments. His first rolls of film captured his local reality, the harsh conditions underwhich his tight knit community were existing . Mould on walls, tightly packed back yards, limited natural light and arguably one of the most deprived areas for young children in all of Europe at the time. Despite the conditions, Frankie’s keen eye, witticism and talent for capturing the true sense of humanity which surrounded him shines through. Frankie’s first rolls of film are a testament to working class spirit, solidarity and .
documenting conflict in Ireland and further afield, in places such as Palestine/Israel, Turkey/Kurdistan and Bosnia. However, he is best known for documenting ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. His exquisite photographs capture the essence of what it meant to live and grow up here at that time.
These gritty extraordinary works of photojournalism are becoming increasingly invaluable in terms of social documentary and many of his images have been acquired by and reside in the Ulster Museum Belfast.
As well as his native Ireland, he has exhibited in Australia, United States, France, Italy, Norway and Britain. He has remained a freelance photographer since, servicing newspapers, magazines, books, and publications.
He completed his MFA in Photography in 2018 and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Belfast Archive Project.
Publications
Book 1 – Link to Product
Book 2 – Link to Product
Book 3 – Link to product
Exhibitions
- Family Album, Ulster Museum (Belfast, Ireland) 2025
- Temporary Permanent, Ulster Museum, (Belfast, Ireland) 2019
- Cordon Sanitaire, Belfast Exposed, (Belfast, Ireland) 2019.
- Peacelines, Xposure International Photography Festival. (Sharjah, UAE) 2019.
- Invitation to Observe, Invitation to Observe (Liverpool, England) 2018.
- Towards 2023, Burren College of Art (Ballyvaughan, Ireland) 2016.
- The Orange, Red Barn Gallery (Belfast, Ireland) 2014.
- Streets Apart, Obok ZPAF Gallery (Warsaw, Poland) 2008.
- Peaceline Panorama, University of Rouen, (Rouen, France) 2007.
Frankie Quinn in the Press
- [July 07, 2025] ‘Unique’ Belfast community the focus of new photo exhibition by celebrated Short Strand snapper – Irish News
- [October 24, 2023] 25 years of division captured by photographer Frankie Quinn in new book on Belfast’s peace walls – Irish News
- [July 22, 2023] New film documents Frankie’s peace walls journey – Belfast Media Group
- [Aug 24, 2019] Cordon Sanitaire: Frankie Quinn on capturing Belfast’s peace walls – Irish Times
- [April 23, 2015] Frankie’s striking photos capture the shifting vistas of Belfast’s famous peace walls – Belfast Media Group
- [January, 8 2010] Photographer Frankie Quinn captures Belfast – BBC News
Work with Frankie
Are you interested in showcasing Frankie Quinn’s work at your event, gallery, art space or museum? Get in touch!