Onlookers awaiting the arrival of the British Special Service Squadron

Photographer Samuel J Hood Studio (Australian, 1899 - 1953)

Date9 April 1924

Object number00035269

NameGlass plate negative

MediumEmulsion on glass

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionFrom 27 November 1923 to 28 September 1924, the British Royal Navy’s Special Service Squadron cruised around the world visiting and thanking those countries and allies who had offered their support during World War I. It was an opportunity to show naval strength and renew alliances. Samuel J Hood and possibly a number of other photographers belonging to his studio, travelled to various vantage points and photographed the fleet's arrival in Sydney.SignificanceThe Samuel J Hood photographic collection records an extensive range of maritime activity on Sydney Harbour, including sail and steam ships, 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.