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Image Not Available for Surfing Beaches of Sydney NSW
Surfing Beaches of Sydney NSW
Image Not Available for Surfing Beaches of Sydney NSW

Surfing Beaches of Sydney NSW

Photographer (1873 - 1944)
Publisher (1873 - 1944)
Datec 1930
Object number00019615
NameBooklet
MediumInk on paper, card, metal staples
DimensionsOverall: 213 x 260 mm, 5 mm, 0.12 kg
Display Dimensions: 218 x 216 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA booklet titled 'Surfing Beaches of Sydney NSW' containing rare photographic images of bathers, surf lifesavers and surfers enjoying the beaches around Sydney. There is a short introduction exclaiming the health virtues of beach going and the prevelence of surf lifesaving.HistoryPrior to 1903, swimming was banned at Sydney beaches during daylight hours because it was considered immodest. However, over the next decades, its popularity grew and was accessible to all sections of society and regions of Sydney. By the 1920s, the same councils that had originally tried to ban it promoted beach culture. Its health benefits were extolled and it was becoming an entrenched part of the Australian way of life - it was in this period that the iconic figure of the bronzed Australian male emerged as a symbol of nationhood.SignificanceThis asset shows that by the 1920s swimming or bodysurfing at the beach had become a popular form of recreation and was being promoted as part of a healthy lifestyle. Women are pictured as being part of this movement, which was a change from the preceding decade.