Sydney Harbour of Yesteryear. The Glass Plate Photography Of William James Hall

Sydney: A.H. & A.W. Reed. 1982. Oblong Small Quarto Size [30x22cm approx]. Very Good copy in Good dustjacket. Dustjacket has a closed tear to rear panel & is now protected in a purpose-made clear archival plastic sleeve. Illustrated with Black and White Photographs. 127 pages. Hall had a keen interest in sailing and in sailing craft, and between the late 1890s and early 1930s compiled one of the most valuable marine photographic collections in Australia. The 3000 glass plates, now in the archives of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, give a fascinating picture of competitive and recreational sailing on Sydney Harbour, as well as of the associated social activities. The backgrounds, too, showing old 'ironside' warships and windjammers are of as much interest as the rigs and dress of the boats' crews. These photographs reveal that Hall was both an artistic cameraman and an excellent technician—especially given the limitations of his equipment. Each Monday morning in his shop window he displayed the photographs he had taken of weekend races, much to the delight of yachting enthusiasts. Robust, professional packaging and tracking provided for all parcels. . 1st Edition. Hardback.