eHive Object Details

Name/TitlePedestrians : entrance to the Block Arcade, Collins Street, Melbourne, 1892

About this objectA close-up photograph taken at street level of pedestrians 'doing the block', that is, promenading the city block formed by Collins, Swanston, Little Collins and Elizabeth streets. The Block Arcade, named after the parade and completed in 1893, has its main entrance on the north side of Collins Street. The tall glass windows of the ground floor shops reflect the buildings on the other side of the street.

The idea was to see and be seen. The young women in their fashionable outfits, showing off their nipped-in waists and eye-catching bow and fur trims, have caught the attention of the bowler-hatted men passing by.

A later photograph of "doing the block" taken around 1915 can be found in Remembering Melbourne: 1850-1960, p. 60.

One of the many glass slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund.

Selby probably showed this slide during his many lectures on old or early Melbourne, given during the 1930s. "When Melbourne Takes Rank as a City", was given on 12th February, 1948, at the Assembly Hall, Collins Street.

For more information about this image contact Royal Historical Society of Victoria

Measurements8.2 x 8.2 cm

Period1890-1900

Object TypeGlass slide

Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956

Subject and Association KeywordsCollins Street (Melbourne, Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsBlock Arcade (Melbourne, Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsFashions

Subject and Association KeywordsHoddle Grid

Subject and Association KeywordsMelbourne (Victoria.)

Named CollectionImages collection

Object numberGS-CS-25

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved