Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card. The images show the Earl and Countess of Hopetoun (Australia's first Governor General and his wife) in an open horse-drawn carriage, passing underneath the Marble Arch, Bridge Street, Ballarat on 13 May 1901.

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 Earl and Countess of Hopetoun (Australia's Governor General and his wife) in an open horse-drawn carriage, passing underneath the Marble Arch, Bridge Street, Ballarat on 13 May 1901. The Arch is a classic style and is topped by large portraits of King Edward VII, and the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. Union Jacks fly from each corner of the Arch and it is hung with festive bunting. A large crowd lines the street and the decorations lining Sturt St are visible through the Arch.

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