Summary

Glass negative stereograph showing the Municipal Arch under construction. It is part of the G. H. Myers Collection which consists of 73 photographs taken by Godfrey Henry Myers, an electrician and amateur photographer, in Melbourne during May 1901. 72 of these photographs depict preparations for the celebrations that surrounded Federation; all but one are glass stereographs. This collection represents Myers' one venture into commercial photography. It is significant for its images of the crowds, which do not feature so prominently in commercial photographs. The remaining photograph is a family portrait.

The opening of the Australian Parliament on May 9 1901 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

Municipal Arch under Construction, Princes Bridge, Federation Celebrations, Melbourne, April 1901. Designed by Harold Desbrowe Annear, who had worked as a carpenter for the theatrical producer J. C. Williamson this massive arch was built at the southern end of Princes Bridge. It was the gateway to the city. The workers are wearing soft hats, white shirts and waist-coats. Being under construction the arch is festooned with scaffolding. A cable tram has just passed underneath and is heading north, into the city. Its driver, the Gripman, is standing in the centre of the open leading car. In the background are horses, carts, and drays. On our left a man on his bicycle is blurring past.

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