Studio portrait of Sydney Rowing Club Eights crew

Photographer Kerry and Co (Australian, 1884 - 1917)

Date1899

Object numberANMS1288[001]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Christine Stewart

Terms

DescriptionThis mounted photograph was taken of an rowing Eights crew, possibly the Sydney Rowing Club. It was taken by the Kerry Co. Studio in 1899.HistorySydney Rowing Club is the oldest rowing club in New South Wales and was founded in 1870. It was originally situated at East Circular Quay but heavy water traffic necessitated a move to Woolloomooloo in 1889 and then to Abbotsford on the Parramatta River. Australia first sent rowers to Stockholm 1912. The eight won the Grand Challenge Cup at the Henley Regatta en route to Sweden. A change of personnel between Henley and Stockholm resulted in the crew losing some form and it missed a medal, whilst the Leander crew, which finished second at Henley, won the gold medal for Great Britain. SignificanceThis photograph is associated with other rowing memorabilia that documents the history of Sydney Rowing Club in the late ninteenth century and the club's role in sending the Australian Eights crew to participate at the Olympic Games in Stockholm and the Royal Henley Regatta in 1912. The photographs, letters and clippings provide a unique insight into the complexity and triumphs of Australian rowers competing in Sydney and abroad from the late 1890s to 1912.