NOTRE DAME, IN.- The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art presents the first major exhibition in the United States of the work of Father Francis Browne, S.J.(1873-1962). One of the best-known Irish photographers of the early twentieth century, his work documents his country’s involvement in some of the most memorable events of the era. Throughout his life Browne was primarily devoted to his religion, and his avocation as a photographer reflected his faith and ideals. As such, he exemplifies the long tradition of artists committed to religious life.

Francis Mary Hegarty Browne was the youngest of eight children, born into an affluent family at Cork in 1880. His mother died soon after his birth, and he was an infant and he was educated in Catholic boarding schools. He received his first camera as a gift when he graduated from secondary school. In 1897, Browne joined the Jesuits and entered the novitiate at St. Stanislaus College. When his father died the following year, he became the ward of his uncle Robert Browne, the Bishop of Cloyne. He continued in the long preparation for the Jesuit priesthood with studies at the Royal University in Dublin, where he was acquainted with fellow student James Joyce. Browne completed his BA degree in 1902 and went on to the Jesuit philosophate at Chieri, near Turin, in Italy. After three years he returned to Dublin and his “Regency,” the next stage of Jesuit preparation, teaching middle school boys at the College of St. Francis Xavier.


Father Francis Browne, S.J. (Irish, 1880-1960), Going Over the Top at Ploegsteert, Hainault, Belgium, August 1917, Gelatin silver print, 10 ²³/₆₄ x 15 ³⁵/₆₄ in. (26.3 x 39.5 cm) © Fr Browne SJ Collection / Davison & Associates Ltd. Milly and Fritz Kaeser Endowment for Photography 2024.001.084


In April 1912, Browne received a gift of a ticket for the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. He took his camera along on the journey from Southampton, England, to Cherbourg, France, then to Cobh, County Cork. Browne debarked in Ireland before the Titanic sailed to disaster in the North Atlantic. Afterwards, his photographs of the liner, her passengers, and crew appeared in newspapers and magazines worldwide.

After his ordination in 1915, Browne became a chaplain in the Irish Guards. He worked in France and Flanders for the entirety of World War I, and was allowed to carry his camera with him. Often on the front lines, ministering to the wounded and the dead, he was wounded five times.

After the war, the Church sent Browne to Australia to recuperate from the effects of poison gas. He photographed his travels to the other side of the world and back to Ireland.

In 1925, Browne took up the post of Superior of Saint Francis Xavier Church in Dublin. Over the balance of his career, he traveled extensively in Ireland and England to preach at Jesuit gatherings, missions, and retreats. He also pursued his hobby of observing the rapidly changing life across Ireland. The photographs show Browne's interest in history and modern innovation, as well as his love for children and the Irish people. There are also several portrait photographs of Father Browne, recalling the arc of his career as an artist and priest are also featured.

Join The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art for these educational events related to the exhibition

Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 5:30–7:00 p.m.: "Rediscovering Father Browne” Lecture by Edwin Davison. Davison, a Dublin photography conservator and technician,
will briefly review Father Browne's life, then describe the discovery of his oeuvre in the lost trove of negatives and his work on restoring them.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 5:30–6:30 p.m.: "Sainted Painters and Painting Saints: Art-Making as a Religious Vocation” Lecture by Professor Robin Jensen, Department of Theology, University of Notre Dame

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Vocation to Create: A Conversation with artists Fr. Austin Collins, C.S.C. and Fr. Martin Nguyen, C.S.C., Department of Art, Art History and Design

This exhibition is made possible by the Lilly Endowment Inc.

With additional support from: the Milly and Fritz Kaeser Endowment for Photography, James and Barbara O'Connell Family Fund for Exhibitions, and The Friends of the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, Charter Membership

The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art

With origins dating to 1875, the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art (formerly Snite Museum of Art) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded university art museums in America. Founded on the principle that art is essential to understanding individual, shared and diverse human experiences and beliefs, the Museum encourages close looking and critical thinking. Experiences with significant, original works of art are intended to stimulate inquiry, dialogue and wonder for audiences across the academy, the community and around the world—all in support of the University of Notre Dame’s Catholic mission. The renowned permanent collection contains more than 30,000 works that represent many cultures and periods of world art history. For more information, visit raclinmurphymuseum.nd.edu.


Father Michael Garahy, S.J. (Irish, 1873- 1962), Father Francis Browne, S.J., June 1, 1939, Gelatin silver print, 15 1/2 × 11 3/4 in. (39.7 × 29.8 cm), Milly and Fritz Kaeser Endowment for Photography, © Fr Browne SJ Collection / Davison & Associates Ltd, 2024.001.001.