Portrait of Adelaide Rowing Club members
Date1889
Object number00034285
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
DimensionsOverall: 285 x 378 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis photograph depicts members of Adelaide's Rowing Club assembled outside the original clubhouse in 1889. The all male group consists of office bearers, coxswains and competing members either wearing the club's rowing uniform or day dress. Adelaide's uniform consists of a striped round neck sleeveless top with light coloured loose fitting cropped pants.HistoryThe Adelaide Rowing Club was formed on South Australia's Torrens River in 1882. Known initially as I' Zingari Rowing Club, the Spanish term for 'the gypsies', membership was decided by secret ballot and for amateur male rowers only. Unaligned with any particular district, fraternity or trade, the club took its name from the highly exclusive amateur British Cricket Club and was considered snobbish and elitist by other rowing clubs active around Adelaide at the time.
Adelaide Rowing Club quickly became one of the key social venues for the aspiring upper classes of colonial South Australian society in the latter half of the 19th century. The club calendar included such 'must attend' events as the 'Opening of the Season', swimming races in the City Baths, the annual 'Club Ball' and various concerts, theatrical events and 'smoke socials'. Local, regional and intercolonial regattas also drew large crowds, vice-regal attendance and much press coverage.
Today Adelaide Rowing Club is South Australia's largest rowing club. With over 300 members, a fleet of 44 boats and a fully licensed clubhouse, the club has an active social calendar. Conscious of its long history, the club holds an array of photographs, oars, trophies and other memorabilia, much of which is on proud display in the clubhouse.SignificanceThis photograph of the Adelaide Rowing Club is representative of the sport of rowing in Australia in the late 19th century.
