Name/TitleDrawing looking east along Collins Street from Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 1886
About this objectThis picture shows buildings and busy pedestrian, horse, and cable car traffic at the intersection of Collins and Elizabeth streets.
This image is reproduced from "Historical Sketch of Victoria" by James Smith, which was part of a larger publication, "Picturesque Atlas of Australasia", edited by Andrew Garran and first published in 1886. This original work contained over seven hundred illustrations, engraved on wood and steel by the best engravers available in Australia and the United States.
The author takes the reader for a walk along Collins Street, first describing the this part as "one of the handsomest avenues in the city", and explaining that the south side is "almost monopolised by banking institutions". He then goes on, walking west, to describe the buildings and architectural styles, concluding with the City of Melbourne Bank seen at the right of the image.
On the left are the clock tower and spires of the Town Hall, Scots' and Independent churches.
This image was reproduced on linen in the 1960s by John Rodriguez, who also reproduced a drawing of Bourke Street (GS-BCS-48).
One of the many glass slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund.
For more information about this image contact Royal Historical Society of Victoria.
Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm
Period1880-1890
Object TypeGlass slide
Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956
Subject and Association KeywordsCollins Street (Melbourne, Vic.)
Subject and Association KeywordsSmith, James, 1820-1910
Subject and Association KeywordsHistorical Sketch of Victoria, 1886
Subject and Association KeywordsMelbourne (Victoria.)
Subject and Association KeywordsHoddle Grid
Subject and Association KeywordsCable trams
Subject and Association KeywordsHorse-drawn vehicles
Named CollectionImages collection
Object numberGS-BCS-74
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved