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Photograph of an Eights rowing crew training on the Parramatta River, Sydney
Photograph of an Eights rowing crew training on the Parramatta River, Sydney

Photograph of an Eights rowing crew training on the Parramatta River, Sydney

Date1880s - 1900s
Object numberANMS1288[005]
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print, mount board
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Christine Stewart
DescriptionThis mounted photograph depicts an Eights rowing crew training on the water.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.