Photos from the railways
State Rail photographic reference print collection
This series (NRS-17420) is an extensive collection of more than 27,000 reference prints from State Rail and its predecessor organisations, documenting a wide range of topics related to railways and transportation infrastructure.
The variety and depth of this series reflect the comprehensive nature of State Rail's documentation and historical recordkeeping.
Photo prints displayed in NSW trains
This collection (NRS-12932) features a fascinating array of images that were used to decorate the interiors of country trains in New South Wales between the late 1930s and the late 1960s. This collection highlights various tourism themes and aims to showcase the beauty and attractions of the region. Here’s a detailed overview of what the collection covers:
- Scenic Country Views: Images showcasing the natural landscapes and picturesque countryside of New South Wales.
- Historic Buildings: Photographs of notable historical architecture and landmarks.
- Coastal Scenes: Pictures of the stunning coastlines and beaches of New South Wales.
- Sydney Metropolitan Beaches: Images featuring well-known beaches within the Sydney metropolitan area.
- Dams: Photographs of important water reservoirs and dams.
- Snowfields: Images of snowy landscapes, likely showcasing the region’s winter attractions.
- Taronga Park Zoological Gardens: Photos of animals and exhibits from the well-known zoo in Sydney.
- Koala Park: Pictures from the Koala Park Sanctuary, highlighting native wildlife.
These images were not only meant to enhance the travel experience but also to promote tourism and showcase the diverse attractions of New South Wales to passengers on country trains. The collection reflects a period when rail travel was a primary means of exploring and appreciating the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
State Rail Authority glass plate negatives
The collection (NRS-18526), featuring glass plate negatives from around 1908, provides a valuable historical record of various subjects related to Sydney and beyond. Here’s a more detailed look at what this collection encompasses:
Key subjects covered:
- North Shore and Sydney Harbour
- Landmarks and streetscapes: Includes early photographs of significant locations on the North Shore of Sydney, such as Beecroft, Eastwood, Newport, Turramurra, Chatswood, Milsons Point, Hunters Hill, and parts of Lane Cove National Park.
- Sydney Harbour: Captures various views and possibly landmarks associated with Sydney Harbour.
- United States Navy Fleet – The Great White Fleet
- Arrival: Shows the arrival of the Great White Fleet in Sydney Harbour on 20 August 1908.
- Celebrations: Includes images of the festivities and public events held in honor of the fleet’s visit.
- Departure: Records the fleet’s departure from Sydney Harbour on 27 August 1908.
- Portraits:
- People: Features portraits of women, men, and children in diverse settings, including backyards, bush environments, and on verandas, offering a glimpse into daily life and personal attire of the period.
Public Relations 'PR' glass plate and acetate negatives
The images in this series (NRS-21573) were used to promote the railway and rail travel. Images date from c1890 – but the photographs were presumably taken later, probably post World War II – to the 1980s. Examples of these images include:
- Art exhibition - PR124
- Floats at Showground, post war - PR191a-191b
- Crowd at opening of new line / train / station - PR202City skyline - PR204A
- Railway job advertisement for potential labourer - PR214
- 1940s award ceremony - PR227-228
- Late 1800s celebratory crowds - PR230
- Locomotives of the past - PR327
- Rail employees drawing plans - PR360B
- Dinner celebrations - PR369
- Caterers - PR379
- Waiting room scene - PR383
- Engine room on locomotive - PR412
- Train on Turntable - PR426
- Dispatch of trains - PR443
- Conductor making announcement - PR1253
- Eating at counter - PR1257
Related
Eveleigh Workshops during the 1917 railway strike
On 2 August 1917 the General Strike began. It started in the Randwick Rail Workshops & Eveleigh Carriage Workshops & quickly spread to other industries until about 100,000 workers were on strike
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Electricity Commission
These photos record the power generation and transmission assets of the organisation and document the working conditions and social events of its employees
Maritime Services Board
A sample of the 4000+ digitised glass plate negatives from the Maritime Services Board
Government Printing Office Glass Negatives
From the late 19th century into the 20th century, photography played a significant role at the Government Printing Office, leading to a rich and varied collection of images depicting life in New South Wales
Purging pestilence – plague!
The Bubonic Plague hit Sydney in January 1900. Spreading from the waterfront, the rats carried the plague throughout the city. Within eight months 303 cases were reported and 103 people were dead
Lantern slides shown at the 1908 Franco-British Exhibition
Part of this collection of lantern slides was shown at the Franco-British Exhibition in London, 1908. Many of the slides are of typical country scenes such as saw mills, dairy farms, mining, and timber felling and hauling
Sydney Harbour Bridge
This photo series captures the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, from turning the first sod to completion, including the official opening and its initial use by the public
Public buildings in NSW
This album, dating from c1880 to c1940, was created by the Government Architect's office and includes a diverse array of important public and institutional structures
Royal National Park
Many of the photos in this series depict recreational activities around Audley, showcasing people boating, playing sports, bushwalking, picnicking, and taking part in ceremonies
Scheyville Training Farm
Scheyville was a training farm for young men selected from the Sydney area and those arriving under various British immigration schemes
WWI: Sydney Harbour Trust remembers
A photo series of portraits of Sydney Harbour Trust employees who died while on active military service with the AIF during World War I
Railways
Railway refreshment rooms guide
In New South Wales during the 19th century, passenger traffic was the largest single purpose for train journeys. As the rail system expanded across the State the journeys often involved passengers in several hours travel, making the provision and availability of refreshments an essential part of the trip.
Railway employment records 1856-1917
The index records the name, position, date of appointment and page number within the register. There are 763 entries