Record series
Photograph Albums : Alpha-Numeric Sequence [J.B. Hosking Collection]
VPRS 8362
1944 - 1954
Open
North Melbourne
Agencies
This record series was created by:
Melbourne Harbor Trust Commissioners ( VA2799 ): 1944 - 1954
Agencies responsible for this record series: Port of Melbourne Authority ( VA 1426 ): 1978 - 1995
Date Range
Series date range: 1944 - 1954
Series in custody:
1944 - 1954
Contents in custody:
1925 - 1954
Function / Content
The series comprises photographic albums the contents of which were photographed (or collected) by Mr J.B.O.Hosking, Chief Engineer, Melbourne Harbour Trust.The albums contain black/white photographs depicting facilities and activities of the Port of Melbourne and various other ports around the world.
The albums were allocated alpha-numeric control symbols which determined their arrangement. The alpha-numeric classification system was based on location or subject of the photograph. i.e. Albums A/1; A/2; A/3 relate to Appleton Dock; Album V/1 relates to Victoria Dock; Album T/1 for amenities and album D/1 relates to dredging. For a guide to the classification code refer to Index to Photograph Albums: (alpha-numeric sequence) VPRS.
Each album comprises a number of loose leaf pages of light cardboard upon which black and white prints have been mounted using a combination of photo corners and glue. There appear to be three average sizes of prints:
210mm x 155mm (1 to a page)
150mm x 100mm (2 to a page)
75mm x 50mm (4 to a page)
In many cases there are typed captions pasted below the photographs. Details on the caption include:
- date when the photograph was taken
- brief additional description of the image
- alpha-numeric classification code (which appears on the spine of the album)
- sometimes an additional alpha-numeric reference is given
Apart from the main alpha-numeric sequence (which is incomplete) there is an additional album with 'Oil Fires' marked on the spine, and two albums without control symbols. There are also several albums which are empty but which have alpha-numeric symbols on their spines, which fit within the classification sequence. These albums may have once contained photographs.
How to use the records
Use VPRS 8364 List of Photographs in Photograph Albums (Alpha-Numeric Sequence) and Black and White Negatives which provides the alpha-numeric classification code number of the album and the identification number of each photograph.Recordkeeping system
The albums are arranged under an alpha-numeric classification system based on location or subject of photograph i.e. A/Appleton Dock; N/North Wharf; T/Amenities; N/Dredging, Buoys etc. Occasionally photographs are in roughly chronological sequence from back of album to front.It appears that the series of albums the contents of which were either photographed or collected by JBO Hosking while he was the Chief during the years 1936-1954. However, the dates recorded on captions extend back to 1925 and sometimes earlier.
