During the Christmas period i received an e-mail from Crystal Boutique in Armagh asking would i be interested in doing a fashion shoot with them, i jumped at the chance as i love to be creative and explore ideas that be rumbling around in my head!
I was very interested in getting access to the Old Jail as i know it, otherwise known as Armagh Gaol, Roisin & Celine made this happen - i was very pleased indeed!
The day arrived, mid January, we were given a tour of the building and then left to it.
Yes it was very cold and yes very spooky, especially after the stories we had been told about the haunted room, the hangings and suicide nets.
It was soon ready to begin the shoot and our gorgeous models Rachel, Ria and Stephanie looked gorgeous in clothing from Crystal Boutique, Scotch Street and styled by the fabulous Celine and Roisin. The hair was wow by Petra from Petra's House Of Colour, Thomas Street, Armagh - we had a few styles throughout the shoot and the fantastic professional make up was done by Ivy from Papilio's, Upper English Street, Armagh. Professional hair and make up is essential for this type of shoot.
The day ran smooth with the weather being fantastic outside so we were able to explore the grounds also, all in all i thoroughly enjoyed myself and was knackered when i got home but very excited to share the results.
I hope to work with the team of girls again!
Ps you can find all the above businesses on Facebook.
A little History...
Armagh Gaol was designed by two of Ireland's most important architects, Francis Cooley and William Murray. Visitors to the city's famous Mall will be most familiar with the gaol's impressive grey façade.
However, the gaol, which was constructed between 1780 and 1819 in two significant stages actually comprised three prisons – one for women, one for debtors and one for felons - as well as buildings like the block treadmill and engine house. Further extensions occurred in 1865 and the gaol remained a working place of incarceration until its closure in 1986.
Executions were common at the gaol. At first these took place publicly in the gaol square but were later moved behind the impressive prison walls. The last man to be executed at Armagh gaol was Joseph Fee in 1904. The gaol, however, remained controversial until its closure and hosted a range of offenders. These included the Price sisters who were given a life term their part in the IRA's London car bombing campaign in the 1970s.
Currently there is talk of the jail being transformed into a hotel by Malmaison - watch this space! See the links for sources & more information.
These were taken down in the old Laundrette....i adored this blue wall.
