Switching Lenses

Focusing on archaeologists in a time of change

Archaeology is a curious subject. A science often merited with an Arts degree. We measure and sample everything to generate facts. We put forward a hypothesis and test it with these facts. There is, however, always room for interpretation, imagination, even error, because objects are not found, they are uncovered and reviewed by a human being.

Throughout an excavation, various findings are recorded, catalogued and photographed. It is what archaeologists do.

Labelling and documenting finds

This is not a documentation of that kind.

The intention of this exhibition is ‘not to document an excavation, but to capture the people involved in one during a key historical moment’.

AMS has thousands of photographs, drawings and measurements of the excavations. Instead, these photographs capture the gaps which are never recorded. To give a taste of the humour and feeling of the archaeologists. The parts that leave no physical remains. The people within whom theories are formed. The storytellers.  


An in-person and virtual photo exhibition by John Channing (AMS) titled, “Unmasked: Portrait of Gortnacrannagh”, is a series of portraits of the archaeologists who excavated the site of Gortnacrannagh.

The exhibition was digitally screened as part of the programme for the Gortnacrannagh Idol Conference: organised by the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in association with Roscommon County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and Archaeological Management Solutions.

Promotional Poster for the Gortnacrannagh Conference

It remains on physical display in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. It has generated a lot of enthusiasm from staff and visitors alike as it gives a sense of the efforts required by dedicated excavation crews in all weathers and circumstances to obtain the artefacts which we marvel at in our public heritage sites and museums.

Image on display

Trio of images on display

Photographing the photographs


Reactions to the Exhibition

Very interesting, A visual interpretation of something that I don’t really consider enough when I think of archaeology.

Very engaging: The guys look to be working hard. You really feel for the diggers at times, but it also makes me want to get involved, because it looks like so much fun can be had.

Very Good exhibition: for some reason, what comes to mind for me is ‘The agony and the ecstasy’ particularly if that is where the [Gortnacrannagh] idol was uncovered.

A wonderful alternative ‘record’ of the excavation.

Twitter post

Virtual Gallery

It is also viewable in a Virtual 3D Gallery online. This allows time for the viewer to ponder each image and to take their own viewing path. An Augmented Reality experience is also available.

Staff Book

In recognition of the involvement of our staff, AMS also produced a hard copy of the photographs.

A Permanent Record

About the Photographer

John combines over 30 years experience in commercial archaeology with 100+ licensed excavations with a love of visual communication.

John Channing BA HDip MIAI


ABOUT THE EXCAVATION

Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS) on behalf of Roscommon County Council (RCC) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) undertook development-led archaeology on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Scheme, Co. Roscommon, Ireland.

A total of 101 archaeological sites were excavated across 33 km, spanning 8,000 years of settlement from the Mesolithic to the twentieth century. 

Excavations began in late 2019. In 2020, the Irish government deemed roadworks to be an essential undertaking. Strict Health and Safety measures were implemented for staff on site.

Timekeeping and adherence to set sequence was strictly monitored. Strict segregation was practised in washroom and canteen. Masks were obligatory.

Credits and Thanks

Thanks and appreciation to all who worked on the project and allowed the use of these images. In particular to Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Roscommon Co. Council, and, most of all to the individuals who appear in these photos: the staff of Archaeological Management Solutions. 

Labelling and documenting finds

An in-person and virtual photo exhibition by John Channing (AMS) titled, “Unmasked: Portrait of Gortnacrannagh”, is a series of portraits of the archaeologists who excavated the site of Gortnacrannagh.

Promotional Poster for the Gortnacrannagh Conference

Image on display

Trio of images on display

Photographing the photographs

Twitter post

A Permanent Record

John Channing BA HDip MIAI