Dr Karol Mullaney-Dignam tells the story of William Despard Hemphill, a medical doctor and pioneering photographer who hailed from Springhill, Killenaule, Co. Tipperary. Hemphill became interested in photography in the 1850s, when it was a new, complex, and dangerous pursuit. He is probably best known today for his 1860 book titled Stereoscopic illustrations of Clonmel and the surrounding country including abbeys, castles and scenery with descriptive letterpress. During his lifetime, he was prominent in the artistic and cultural life of Clonmel, living at Oakville in the town from the 1870s. Dr Mullaney-Dignam is a Lecturer in History and Director of the MA in Public History and Cultural Heritage at the University of Limerick.