Treasured clippings: the barbers and stylists longing to cut again

Photographer David Murphy’s new series of images captures hairdressers and barbers around the country before the pandemic forced them to hang up their scissors

Eamon Moloney, of the Fireplace Barbershop: ‘I love the actual work, but the clients are the real enjoyment of the job’

Prior to the first lockdown in March 2020, Naas-based photographer David Murphy had been quietly working away on a personal project between his day-to-day shoots: capturing barbers in their places of work.

As the pandemic hit and hair salons were forced to close their doors for ever more lengthy spells, Murphy’s striking photo series has become even more poignant, highlighting the beauty of this old craft and the importance of its social role in the ...