Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card. The images depict the Marble Arch erected at Sturt and Bridge Sts, Ballarat, in honour of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York on 13 May 1901. While in Ballarat, the Royal party also visited the South Star Gold Mine.

The opening of the Australian Parliament was an occasion for great celebrations in Victoria. 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 of Melbourne was transformed with decorations - flags, bunting, colourful lights and festive arches - and a series of public events were held, including a military tattoo, several street parades and a visit to Ballarat where similar decorations were put up to mark the occasion.

Description of Content

The Marble Arch erected at Sturt and Bridge Sts, Ballarat, in honour of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York on 13 May 1901. Union Jacks fly from the top of the Arch, which has portraits of King Edward VII, and the Duke and Duchess of York. The bunting decorating Sturt St is visible through the Arch. A large group is congregated in the foreground, viewing the Arch. While in Ballarat, the Royal party also visited the South Star Mine.

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