Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Image Not Available for Sydney, Australia - Photographs by Robert Billington
Sydney, Australia - Photographs by Robert Billington
Image Not Available for Sydney, Australia - Photographs by Robert Billington

Sydney, Australia - Photographs by Robert Billington

Date1994
Object number00046899
NamePoster
MediumPrint on paper. Wooden frame under glass.
DimensionsOverall: 700 × 531 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from the Estate of W Schröder
DescriptionFramed poster reproducing a photograph by Robert Billington titled 'Through the Ferry Window, Opera House and The QE2'. The image was taken through the window of the Mosman ferry as the QE2 visited Sydney. The poster has several signatures around the image.HistoryThis autographed picture is part of the Wim Schroder collection. Wim was born in 1924 in the Dutch East Indies and qualified as a shipmaster in 1953. He was employed as a captain on the Royal Interocean Line (now absorbed by P&O Nedlloyd). His last command was the MV Nedlloyd Auckland and he retired in 1982. After his retirement, Wim became involved in Sydney Showboats (tourist paddle wheelers on Sydney Harbour) and worked as a captain on one of the vessels. Sydney Showboats was an attempt to revive the tradition of showboats (usually on converted ferries) that had provided entertainment on Sydney Harbour since the 1920s. Sydney Showboats was originally conceptualised in 1986 and introduced to Sydney Harbour in November 1987. Currently operating under the Australian Cruise Group banner (formerly Blue Line Cruises). SignificanceWim Schroder was a popular captain and had a deep attachment to ships and the sea. After his career in the merchant navy ended, he continued to work on the water as a captain for the ever popular Sydney Showboats.