Summary

Mounted stereograph showing an unidentified float processing along Collins street on 11 May 1901. 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.

The subsequent addition of 14 printed stereograph photographs compliments the existing holding of Myer's glass stereograph negatives. 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 9 May 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

Unidentified Float, Federation Celebrations, Collins Street, Melbourne, 11 May 1901. A team of white horses are drawing the float, while in the foreground the crowd is restrained by policemen whose helmets are visible at the parade edge. A man at the top of the float holds a staff across his body, with a group of men sitting lower down on the carriage. The unofficial Australian flag being flown overhead is without the large star of the Commonwealth; this was acquired on 3 September 1901. To the left is the Town Hall clock, to the right is a largely empty fee-paying viewing stand. The German Arch is in the background though is not visible in this image.

Physical Description

Black & white stereographic photograph mounted on cardboard backing printed with publisher details.

Significance

Commercially printed examples of amateur photographer G.H. Myers' stereographic photography, represented in the collections through a series of 72 stereograph glass negatives. They offer an interesting and rare representation of events and social activity at the time of Australian federation.

More Information