Hide that Can

Book excerpt: Photographer Deirdre O'Callaghan has produced an unsettling but ultimately engaging document of the residents at Arlington House, Europe's largest men's refuge. Built in the early 20th century for itinerant irish workers, many of the residents have been displaced from their home country, Ireland, and suffer from mental and physical disabilities, largely alchoholism. O'Callaghan's work reveals the humour and companionship the men derive from their shared experience, both in the refuge and on their return, sponsored, trips to Ireland. Deirdre O'Callaghan was born in County Cork, Ireland in 1969, and shoots regularly for Q, Mojo, Spin, Arena, The Guardian and Observer magazines. Hide That Can is her first book. She lives and works in London.