Summary

Glass negative stereograph showing the Royal Escort returning to Government House, 9 May 1901. 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

Royal Escort returning to Government House, St Kilda Road, Federation Celebrations, Melbourne, 9 May 1901. Accompanying the Duke and Duchess of York on their return to Government House after the opening of the first Australian Parliament was the Royal Escort. It consisted of troops from the six states and from New Zealand. The Royal couple has just passed by and the heads of the crowd are still looking in its direction. The troops on horseback carry rifles and the troops which line the road present arms. Union Jack's fly from every Venetian pole.

More Information