Photograph of Surfers, Bells Beach, 1963
Photographer
Barrie Sutherland
Date1999
Object number00033219
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print on glossy paper
DimensionsOverall: 295 x 210 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Marcus Shaw
DescriptionThis photograph of surfers warming themselves by a fire on a headland was taken by Barrie Sutherland in 1965 and reprinted in 1999. A handwritten caption below the image reads 'Brian Poynton, Johnny Keilor, Marcus Shaw, unknown / Bells Beach - Winter 1963'.HistoryMarcus Shaw was one of the first surfers to ride the waves at Bells Beach in 1957, one of Australia's most famous surfing beaches and the venue for the world's longest running surfing contest. Shaw's aggressive back-hand riding on large gun boards gained him a dare-devil reputation that impressed other surfers in the 1960s. He was a strong influence on champion surfer Wayne Lynch who watched Shaw ride the waves at Bells Beach.SignificanceMarcus Shaw was an important pioneer of surfboard riding at Bells Beach in Victoria in the 1960s, and manufactures surfboards for riding large waves. Photographer Barrie Sutherland surfed at Bells Beach from 1959 and his work is the most complete photographic record of the early years of surfing in that region.
