19

Photographs of Some of the Principal Buildings in the City of Sydney, New South Wales. 1890.

Albumen prints (33), including one three-part panorama, in a photo album
This handsome album contains photographic study of Sydney's stately architecture and a number of bird's-eye views of the city, including an interesting three-part panorama.
Each with a printed caption and rule on the album page.
Oblong 4to, gilt-lettered blue leather, lightly worn and front cover detached.
The images approximately 6 x 7 1/2 in. (15.2 x 19.1 cm.), the panorama 5 x 27 in. (12.7 x 68.6 cm.) overall

  • Notes:
    The album was created under the direction of Government printer Charles Potter. Julia Peck has summarized the history of the Government Printing Office in the "Encyclopedia of Nineteenth-Century Photography" (2007):

    "The New South Wales Government Printer (NSWGP), a public works department in Sydney, was established in 1859 as an extension of the postage stamp department. The first Government Printer, Mr. Thomas Richards, established the 'Photolithographic and Lithographic' department in 1868 and the 'Photomechanical' department in 1877. Richards' intention for the photographs was the depiction of natural features and the material progress of the colony; the distribution of the photographs was promotional.

    "Photographs were sent to international exhibitions, including the Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888, when the department sent 178 photographs. The main form of presentation, however, was in album format, produced internally by the Printer's binding department. The quality, style and size of the albums were remarkable and produced as gifts for official visitors… Photographs were purchased and commissioned from commercial operators including Henry King, Charles Bayliss and Charles Kerry."

    Government House; Sydney Harbour (looking towards the Heads) from the Hotel Metropole; View of the portion of the City from the Hotel Metropole; View of portion of the City from the Grosvenor Hotel (2 views);The Town Hall; The General Post Office; Public Offices, Bridge Street;St. Andrew's Cathedral; St. Phillip's Church; The University; The Medical School, Sydney University; St. Paul's College; St. John's College; St. Andrew's College; Union Club and Hotel Metropole; Australian Club and Lands Office; Government Printing Office; Grosvenor Hotel; St. James' Buildings, King Street; Australian Museum; Custom House; Free Public Library; Free Public Library (Lending Branch); Goldsbrough and Mort's Wool Store; Hill, Clark and Co.'s Wool Store; Prince Alfred Hospital; The Exchange; Norwich Chambers, Hunter Street; Dixson's Tobacco Factory; Untitled (panoramic view of Sydney Harbor)
  • Condition: For condition reports, email Deborah Rogal at [email protected]

    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

October 16, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000