18-footer ARGO on the beach at Berrys Bay
Photographer
William James Hall
(Australian, 1877 - 1951)
Date1932-1934
Object number00002114
NameGlass plate negative
MediumEmulsion on glass
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Bruce Stannard
Description
A glass plate negative of the 18-footer ARGO (ex HC PRESS III) on the beach in front of the SCEGGS boatshed, Berrys Bay, Sydney Harbour. This has to have been taken between late 1932 and early 1934 (IS).HistoryThe original boatshed for Sydney Church of England Grammar School, or Shore School, was situated at Berry's Bay. The school acquired its own boatshed in Looking Glass Bay in 1919, presented to them by Mr Russell Sinclair, in memory of his son.
Sydney boat builder Prince Barnett (father of shipwright Billy Barnett) worked as the caretaker of the Shore School boatshed. When the school moved its aquatic activities to its new location, Barnett bought the house and boatshed. Barnett hired the shed out to many of Sydney Harbour's 18-footer crews to store their skiffs.SignificanceThe Hall photographic collection provides an important pictorial record of recreational boating in Sydney Harbour from the 1890s to the 1930s. The collection documents the lively sailing scene in Sydney during this period and features images of vessels ranging from large racing and cruising yachts to the great array of skiffs and the emerging technologies of motorboats. Images of many of Sydney Harbour's historic sailing clubs and events are also included in this visual record.
