Historical information

The photo is of three boats on the water next to a floating dock/pontoon with land in the foreground. Two lines of officials stand on a road in the foreground, one boat in the centre of the image has a flag at each end, four oars visible and 15-17 people seated in it. The pontoon has a roof with official regalia including the British flag. The other boats in the background are smaller with only two people clearly visible. George Rose was a pioneer of photographic art in Australia. Later in his career he became interested in stereoscopic photography (between 1880s and 1920s), establishing a business for the production of such works. George Rose died in 1942.

The Duke and Duchess of York visited Australia on two occasions that coincide with George Rose’s stereoscopic photography works: 1901 and 1927. It is not completely clear in which year this image was taken. There was much ceremony and celebration on both occasions, however, in comparison with some other of Rose’s work, it is likely the image was taken in 1901.

Significance

This stereographic photograph is a significant example of George Rose's stereographs, which captured important moments in history both in Australia and overseas.

Physical description

Two clear sepia toned photos printed on one piece of photographic paper mounted on brown card with ornate ribbon scroll and minimal floral branding on each side of the card with 'Roses Stereoscopic Views Copyright' on the ribbon scroll on the right hand side and 'Sold only by George Rose Melbourne Publisher' on the ribbon scroll on the left hand side.

Inscriptions & markings

Obverse: Branding printed on the card on left and right sides of photographs: Roses Stereoscopic Views Copyright / Sold only by George Rose Melbourne Publisher.
3022 / Duke of York Celebrations Sydney / The Duke and Duchess leaving for New Zealand.
Reverse: '1997.3184' top right corner / unclear text in greylead pencil left side.