Summary

One of a subset of 43 negatives taken of Melbourne central business district, Sandown Racetrack and Port Melbourne.

This subset is part of approximately 3,000 negatives taken by Jim Payens, the Melbourne based aerial photographer, and form part of the Payens Collection. The images span the period predominantly between the 1950s - 1970s.

Jim Payens was one of a very small number of Australian photographers to have specialised in oblique and survey aerial photography. He was also one of the earliest Australian aerial photographers. This collection consists predominantly of aerial views of the city of Melbourne, surrounding suburbs and regional Victoria but also extends to other parts of Australia. The Collection depicts a variety of landmark events and major engineering projects throughout Australia including the Australian Grand Prix, Olympic Games (Melbourne & Sydney) and the construction of Eildon Weir.

The Museum also holds the aerial camera and equipment used by Payens to take these images as well as an oral history interview with the photographer.

Description of Content

Oblique aerial photograph of the city of Melbourne looking south-east from Coode Island showing the area bounded by Spencer Street railway yard, Dudley Street, Spring Street, and City Road. In the foreground is Victoria Docks (now Melbourne Docklands). Further in is the Spencer Street Power Station. On the south side of the Yarra River is the industrial region of South Melbourne and Kings Domain showing Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Government House and the Shrine of Remembrance. In the background is Jolimont railway yard and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Physical Description

negative; black and white; silver gelatin; cellulose acetate.

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