USS ASTORIA in Farm Cove, Sydney
Photographer
Samuel J Hood Studio
(Australian, 1899 - 1953)
DateAugust 1934
Object number00024266
NameGlass plate negative
MediumEmulsion on glass
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis photograph depicts the warship USS ASTORIA, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background. ASTORIA visited Sydney in August 1934 during its shakedown cruise of the Pacific.SignificanceThe Samuel J Hood photographic collection records an extensive range of maritime activity on Sydney Harbour, including sail and steam ships, warships, crew portraits, crews at work, ship interiors, stevedores loading and unloading cargo, port scenes, pleasure boats and harbourside social activities from the 1890s through to the 1950s. They are also highly competent artistic studies and views - Hood was regarded as an important figure in early Australian photojournalism. Hood’s maritime photographs are one of the most significant collections of such work in Australia.