1885 Spencer Street Steam Ferry

MI_1147

A photo of the Spencer Street Ferry in 1885. This steam ferry operated on the Yarra between 1884 and 1929 and was used to connect the southern end of Spencer Street with the northern end of Clarendon Street prior to the construction of Spencer Street Bridge.

The photo is looking east from the south bank of the Yarra, with parts of the city skyline in the distance. The ferry's steam engine drove a capstan that pulled on a chain (secured on each bank) and thus pulled itself across the Yarra. The chain had lots of slack and mostly rested upon the river floor.   

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Photograph by Charles Nettleton.

Notes from the State Library of Victoria tell us that the image is a "Photograph of the Spencer Street steam ferry and a sailing ship in dock. Several men and a horse and cart stand on deck of ferry".

This is a digitally retouched reproduction of the original held by the State Library of Victoria. All prints are reproduced without the HOTPRESS watermarks.

Our team of conservators have worked on a high resolution digital image in order to remove blemishes and artifacts such as stains, mould, scratches and damage caused by the handling of the original. We strive to provide authentic representations of the original work that are suitable for enlargements that retain the tones and character of the original.



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