Australia, 1901-1902

Extent:

122 prints

Scope and content:

During a period roughly from late fall 1901 to May of 1902, Shockley traveled to Australia, chiefly to survey the gold mines of Western Australia, especially near Wiluna. He photographed numerous large and small mining operations with colorful names, many now abandoned; animals and vehicles used in transport, including camels; and workers and overseers, chiefly Europeans. In one image, Shockley stands with R. Atwater, the manager of the Sons of Gwalia Mine, established circa 1896; the construction of this house was commissioned by first mine manager Herbert Hoover, circa 1899. Shockley also photographed several aborigine men and one young woman. His images document the harsh life in these remote regions, and the beginnings of settlements in the Australian outback. On the back of one print he narrates the discovery of a man who nearly died of thirst in the bush but was discovered by Shockley's party.

Shockley also traveled to the central and eastern cities of Bendigo, Brisbane and Stanthorpe (Queensland), where he photographed mining company buildings, houses, parks, and waterfronts. There are a few images of Perth as well, and of the Japanese steamer that he seems to have taken to Australia.

Modern 8x10 prints were produced in the 2000's from the glass plate negatives; they are all copies of original prints in the collection. There is one glass plate negative of a nude aboriginal girl that has no print version.

Processing information:

Titles have been transcribed as they appear in original captions on the backs of prints. Descriptive captions and Chinese translations of titles were supplied by library staff. Duplicate prints are indicated by an extension ".2" after the image identifier.

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