Summary

Glass negative stereograph showing the Duke and Duchess of York returning to Government House after opening the first Australian Parliament, 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

The Duke and Duchess of York returning to Government House after opening the first Australian Parliament. St Kilda Road, Federation Celebrations, Melbourne, 9 May 1901. As the Royal carriage passes by in their imported open carriage the troops lining the side of the road stand to attention. The two footmen in the carriage wear white gloves and riding helmets. Children and squatting adults line the front row. Union Jack's fly from the Venetian poles. In the background is the building of the Herald newspaper and on the horizon is the Exhibition Building from which they have just come.

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