Historical information

This photograph was taken by Charles NETTLETON (1826-1902), a prominent Melbourne photographer who recorded the city’s rapid growth from a small town into a metropolis. He was the special photographer for the government and the Melbourne Corporation, and documented of the built environment and major public works throughout Melbourne from when he arrived to Victoria in 1854. Nettleton is credited for having photographed the first Australian steam train, the Melbourne-Sandridge (Port Melbourne) line, which opened in 12 September 1854; the first cricket team to come to Australia on the ss Great Britain in 1861; and Ned KELLY while Nettleton worked as a police photographer.

Physical description

Bay Street shops, 1875:- original Charles NETTLETON print showing west side of Bay Street: Collings & Son, Butcher; Cranston, Paperhanger; Mrs T CLAY; Johnny ALLSORT's Pawn Office; H. DAVENPORT, Clothing; G. RANSOM, Hardware; A.E. AITKEN, Auctioneer; Mrs A. BROWN, Haberdashery; F.C. FORSTER; Marshal, Printer; John PARRY (or BARRY), General Store; E & M RICE. The house is on the site of the 1912 Post Office