Record series
Photographic Collection
VPRS 8357
1880 - 1976
Open
North Melbourne
Agencies
This record series was created by:
Melbourne Harbor Trust Commissioners ( VA2799 ): 1885 - 1976
Agencies responsible for this record series: Port of Melbourne Authority ( VA 1426 ): by 1978 - 1996
Date Range
Series date range: 1880 - 1976
Series in custody:
1880 - 1976
Contents in custody:
1880 - 1976
Function / Content
The series consists of an accumulation of black and white/sepia photographs which represent a visual record of the development of the Port of Melbourne.The series was created by the Melbourne Harbour Trust Commissioners presumably to document their activities.
Subject matters covered by the Photographic Collection include:
- Melbourne Harbour Trust Commissioners personnel
- Trust conferences
- Special social/business events
- Physical development of the Port of Melbourne area
This collection of photographs appears to have been accumulated between 1880 and 1976. The date range of the collection was determined by evidence found on the photographs. Annotations which appear on some of the photographs include names of photographers, subject captions, dates, numbers and publication directions.
How to use the records
Search or browse the consignment listings for items of interest.In an August 2012 volunteer project, the photographs in the P2 and P3 consignments were reprocessed and listed. These photographs now comprise the P4 and P5 consignments respectively.
Recordkeeping system
The photographs were found stored in plan cabinet drawers and included annotated photographs, numbered and unnumbered photographs, loose pages from a photograph album and photographs without any identifying marks at all. The numbering sequence found on some photographs was apparently imposed to indicate the storage of these items within a basement instead of a means to control their arrangement. These numbers were not used as the basis for the series arrangement for this reason. Additionally, no controlling record has been found for these items except for an inaccurate and incomplete list.In view of the different storage requirements of such a diverse group of photographs it was decided to impose an order upon the collection, according to size. Each different method of storage has been given a separate consignment number.
The P1 consignment contains loose photographs in files. The files are arranged alphabetically under subject headings. The files are housed in archive boxes.
The P4 consignment contains framed photographs stored in a plan press.
The P5 consignment contains loose photographs stored in plan press drawers.
Related Records
Two other series were found with VPRS 8357 Photographic Collection; they were VPRS 8355 'Views of the Canal at Fisherman's Bend' and VPRS 8356 Photographs of Commissioners. VPRS 8355 was registered separately because of its compact single theme and the fact that it is bound in a single volume. VPRS 8356 (Photographs of Commissions) was similarly registered separately because it was originally displayed on the walls of the Melbourne Harbour Trust Commissioners' 'hall of fame'.
Preservation Statement
These photographs require special care in handling due to their generally poor condition.
