Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card. The images depict the interior of the Officer's Mess Tent at the military camp at Royal Park. The military camp was associated with the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York to Australia in 1901 for the opening of the first Federal Parliament on 9 May.

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

Interior of the Officer's Mess Tent at the military camp at Royal Park. The tables are set in rows, and are laid with white cloths, china crockery and silver cutlery. Serviettes are arranged in the wine glasses and there are flowers in vases. Framed paintings hang from the tent poles. Waiting staff in formal black and white with white aprons stand in the background.

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