Summary

Photographer: George Rose, Melbourne.

Two almost identical sepia stereographic views mounted on thick brown card, depicting the Royal party leaving the Exhibition Building after the opening of Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901. The southern façade and dome of the Exhibition Building are clearly visible in the background.

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 Royal party leaving the Exhibition Building after the opening of Federal Parliament on 9 May 1901. In the foreground are the mounted military escorts for the Royal party. An open horse drawn carriage follows in the background, containing the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. The Royal carriage is passing through a guard of honour formed by the Victorian cadets. The southern façade and dome of the Exhibition Building are clearly visible in the background.

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