General News
10 August, 2023
Historical snapshot to go on display in Carisbrook
A snapshot of the past will be on display at Carisbrook next week — with a new exhibition set to feature some of the town’s oldest visuals. On August 18, the Carisbrook Historical Society (CHS) will unveil 24 copies of photos dating back to 1866...
A snapshot of the past will be on display at Carisbrook next week — with a new exhibition set to feature some of the town’s oldest visuals.
On August 18, the Carisbrook Historical Society (CHS) will unveil 24 copies of photos dating back to 1866 as part of its latest heritage showcase at the Log Jail.
Taken 157 years ago, these pictures are expected to be the oldest surviving images in the district, having captured several bygone scenes from Carisbrook and Majorca.
Due to the delicate nature of the original photos, the exhibition will consist of their reproductions instead, according to CHS program coordinator Alex Stoneman.
“People will see the replicas of the photos with all the emulsion through it,” he said.
“We’ve put the original ones in our archives because they’re very fragile.
“Some of the originals are lost as well so the ones we have are treasures and we think people interested in heritage and history will want to come and have look at the copies.”
While most buildings photographed have been demolished since, a major structure continues to stand tall — albeit with a different facade.
“Visitors will see some of the bluestone buildings which were erected at the time, with the main one being the Carisbrook Town Hall which is still there,” Mr Stoneman said.
“In 1892, they built a big extension on the front of the town hall and to do that they destroyed the old Greek-type columns which one can see in the photographs — they showed a bit of classical potential in the community.
“Carisbrook’s buildings in the 1860s were mainly related to manufacturing, flour mills, businesses and shops so it’s an amazing record to have of those times because many municipalities don’t have good photographs of that age.”
Following the pandemic, this display is CHS’ first exhibition in three years and Mr Stoneman said it was a great opportunity for locals to admire the town’s history.
“We haven’t put up anything since COVID so this is our first one and it’s a significant one for the area,” he said.
“The community will get some enjoyment in viewing them and finding out their story and why they’re important. They will learn how these pictures were produced by the old fashion photography system as well.
“Our society is committed to not only collecting heritage and history items, but also in conserving it, recording it and making it publicly accessible. The main way we do that is to put on exhibitions and shows. This display is part of our mission to share [our history] with the community.”
The display will be opened to the public on Friday, August 18, at the Carisbrook Log Jail on Bucknall Street from 2 pm onwards.
Entry is free but the society welcomes gold coin donations to support the projects they carry out.
