New book from Ian Hannigan captures Waterford's past in vivid colour

The launch took place last week of Ian Hannigan’s debut book, ‘Timeless Colours Waterford', which outlines the history of Waterford from 1840 to 1962, using images from the past, which have been vibrantly colourised.

Ian started his online Timeless Colours series in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, from a passion for the use of cutting-edge technology and design, and a fascination with historical photographs, particularly those on the history of Waterford.

His debut book features 120 images, covering various aspects of life in Waterford city and county.

Dr Eugene Broderick, modern history advisor for Waterford's Museum of Treasures, and a member of the museum's board, officially launched the book.

Dr Broderick said: “When it comes to colourisation, Ian is a real master of this skill. He wants to make history accessible to people, and he’s using his great skill in colourisation to do just that."

Ian, a Waterford native who now lives in Berlin, works as a designer and entrepreneur, having started two technology companies, one in Ireland and one in Germany.

During Covid, he began compiling and colourising images, receiving a significant response on social media, and from having his work first published in the Waterford News & Star’s ‘Festive Star’ Christmas annual.

He says he was touched by the response to the series, and decided to embark on a book, describing it as a true passion project.

Speaking to the Waterford News and Star following the launch, Ian said: “I’m a very visual person and the world makes sense to me in pictures. So just looking at these images, I fell in love with them.

“What I really wanted to achieve with Timeless Colours was to colourise images so that they feel real. I wanted a time machine, I want to feel like I’m there. That’s really the thrill.

“Timeless Colours all started in 2020 and I got sucked into it over time. People were reacting in an emotional way so I started to see that there was something beyond the photos.

On capturing the history of Waterford, Ian adds: “There were so many images taken at that time by true artists, and you really see the city evolve. You can understand a lot better how the modern Waterford came about, you can see it emerging from the photos.

“It’s my first book and it’s something that developed from a small interest. So to be launching a book about Waterford, here in Waterford, my home town, is just beyond special to me.” 

Timeless Colours, published by Merrion Press, is on sale now.