Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card. The images show the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York leaving the Exhibition Building in an open horse-drawn carriage, with liveried attendants and escorted by mounted soldiers. This image was taken after 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 Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York leaving the Exhibition Building in an open horse-drawn carriage, with liveried attendants. They are escorted by mounted soldiers. Decorated poles line the roadway. The German fountain and part of the gardens are visible in the background. This image was taken after the opening of the first Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901.

More Information