Summary

One of 11 photographs taken by Robert Cutting on 25 April 2010 who was commissioned by the Kensington Community Group for use in preparation for the 150th Anniversary of the Newmarket Saleyards to be celebrated in 2011. These photographs highlight a selection of the Mosaic Mural "The Back Gate" created by community artist Elizabeth (Libby) McKinnon 1990-1992 and installed in its current position beneath the Epsom Road overpass in 1988.

"The Back Gate" mosaic murals were officially unveiled by the Hon. Robert MacLellan, MLA, Minister for Planning and Local Government, on 5th April 1998. These artworks were recognised as a gift to the people of Melbourne to "link the present and future of this site to the past". The murals were inspired by former saleyard workers and features almost life-size portraits of the drovers, dogs and stock that characterised Newmarket Saleyards. The mosaics toured Victoria in 1992-4 prior to being installed in their current position in 1998.

Description of Content

A detailed image of the Newmarket Saleyard mosaics, featuring Elders auctioneer Bill Hill wearing moleskin pants with a shirt, tie and hat. Hill has a jacket placed over his arm and holds a yarding stick used to point out stock being auctioned. Hill is standing in front of a flock of sheep.

Physical Description

Colour digital photograph.

Significance

These photographs document the colourful characters that once inhabited Newmarket; they were commissioned in preparation for the 150th anniversary in 2011 to be used as a tool to educate, acknowledge and promote the historical significance of the saleyards to the local community and media.

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