A selection of photographs of Sydney over a period of redevelopment
Photographer
Ian Lever
Date1970-2000s
Object number00056202
NameAlbum
MediumCibachrome, paper.
DimensionsOverall: 297 × 435 × 15 mm
Copyright© Ian Lever
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Ian Lever
DescriptionIan Lever's photographs of industrial development in Darling Harbour and Pyrmont show the changing nature, and evolving purposes, of inner Sydney Harbour from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. Of particular significance are his then and now shots showing the transformation of the Pyrmont industrial district. Here the construction of the Australian National Maritime is framed amidst the ruins of the Pyrmont Power Station, and the Pyrmont Point residential and business district is shown in stark contrast to its once warehouse surrounds.
HistoryThroughout his photographic career Ian Lever extensively charted industrial change and development in the Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, and inner city regions. Lever notes that "I have a passion now photographing the development of various areas around Sydney, and all shot on black and white and hand printed. This started forty years ago, so I have a lot of film done on this project alone".
Lever's photographs of tug operation and industrial development in the Darling Harbour and Pyrmont region offer unique insights into past harbour side operations, and have significance in depicting the changing facades - and evolving purposes - of inner harbour suburbs over time. Of particular importance are Lever's photographs showing the development of the site of the Australian National Maritime Museum. Here he charts the decline of Pyrmont Power Station in 1979, the development of the Darling Harbour precinct, Star City Casino, and the building site of the Maritime Museum in 1991.
Further aerial shots of Darling Harbour during this period provide stark perspectives on the shift from industry to areas of tourism and visitor engagement. Lever's comparative shots of Pyrmont Point from 1979 to 2005, and the subsequent residential and parkland development, further act as important documents showing the changing nature of inner Sydney harbour suburbs.SignificanceIan Lever's photographs of tugboat operations and industrial development in Darling Harbour and Pyrmont show the changing nature, and evolving purposes, of inner Sydney Harbour from the late 1970s to the early 2000s.
