Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card. The images show the Prahran & St Kilda Arch at the Junction in St Kilda. The Arch was erected to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York to Melbourne for the opening of the first Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901.

The opening of the Australian Parliament 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

The Prahran & St Kilda Arch at the Junction in St Kilda. The Arch was erected to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York to Melbourne for the opening of the first Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901. The Arch is made of brick and wood and has three spans. It is decorated with festive bunting and flags and 'Welcome' is painted on the centre span. In the foreground, a 'Beach to Carlton' tram is moving towards the Arch and a small gathering of men and women stand about. They are dressed quite formally in hats and coats.

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