Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in Melbourne: the Butter Arch

Date1901

Object numberANMS0047[813]

NamePhotograph

MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper

DimensionsOverall: 82 x 109 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Transfer from the Australian War Memorial

Terms

DescriptionThis photograph was taken in Market Street in Melbourne, Victoria. Made entirely of butter boxes, the arch was decorated to commemorate the opening of the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia. According to one article in Melbourne's The Argus, 8,000 butter boxes were used to build the arch. The arch represented 'the daily output of the dairying industry of Victoria. The natural colour of their wood, branded with the marks of the ex porting firms who supplied them, has the appearance of freshly cut freestone blocks, and the shields of the six colonies surround ing the Royal arms, and decked with bunt- ing, give bright and gas relief to the struc ture. Two smaller portways flank the centre, and carry portraits of the King and Queen and Duke and Duchess. The main cost of erection has been borne by the city agents, exporters, and merchants, who sup plied the novel and interesting materials.' 'The Arches', The Argus, 7 May 1901, p 10.