Victoria Bridge, Brisbane River

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[062]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 152 x 201 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionA black and white photograph of the Brisbnae River with the Victoria Bridge in the background. This particular bridge is the third of four bridges built over the Brisbane River, and was opened in 1897. HistoryThe history of the Victoria Bridge built over the Brisbane River is tale of funding, engineering and working against the forces of nature. The current Victoria Bridge was completed in 1969 and is the fourth bridge which has been constructed. The first bridge was opened in 1865 but being made of timber, consequently collapsed in 1867 due to wood worm. The second bridge, named the Victoria Bridge, was built in 1874 but was destroyed in 1893 by The Great Flood of Brisbane. The third bridge, also named the Victoria Bridge and the one appearing in this image, was opened in 1897 by Lord Charles Lamington, then Governor of Queensland. More solid than its predecessors this bridge featured a steel frame supported by the stone abutments.SignificanceThis image is a part of the Captain Robert McKilliam collection. Captain McKilliam worked for the Aberdeen White Star Line for 32 years and sailed aboard such famous clipper ships as SALAMIS and THERMOPYLAE. He moved to Sydney in 1913 where he served as Assistant Wharf Master on Darling Island.