Summary

Glass negative stereograph showing an official procession. It is part of the G. H. Myers Collection which consists of 73 photographs taken by Godfrey Henry Myers, an electrician and amateur photographer, in Melbourne during May 1901. 72 of these photographs depict preparations for the celebrations that surrounded Federation; all but one are glass stereographs. This collection represents Myers' one venture into commercial photography. It is significant for its images of the crowds, which do not feature so prominently in commercial photographs. The remaining photograph is a family portrait.

The opening of the Australian Parliament on May 9 1901 was an occasion for great celebrations in Melbourne. Ten days of festivities (from 6-16 May) were planned to mark the Federation of the new nation and honour the Royal visitors, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The city was transformed with decorations - flags, bunting, colourful lights and festive arches - and a series of public events were held, including a military tattoo and several street parades. Unprecedented numbers of people arrived in Melbourne from the rest of Victoria and throughout Australia to take part in the celebrations.

Description of Content

A horse-drawn landau type open State carriage carrying two male passengers in the rear forward-facing seat. One is wearing a Bell Topper, presumedly the Governor General. Behind sit two footmen also wearing Bell Toppers. The carriage is being driven by a postilion rider on the near-side (left-hand) horse. A mounted escort policeman can be seen behind the carriage. A crowd walks behind them down a street with cable tram lines and telephone/telegraph poles. Many hats are raised in greeting and respect. A man has scaled a gas lamp pole for a good view of proceedings.

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