Fit for royalty: unique NSW history on display at Parliament

NSW PARLIAMENT JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
5 May 2021

Fit for royalty: unique NSW history on display at Parliament

Visitors to NSW Parliament House can take a step back in time this month, with the free exhibition The Queen's Album showcasing incredible photographs of the state's history from May 5 to 27.

The touring exhibit is a joint initiative of NSW State Archives and Sydney Living Museums. Its appearance at Australia's oldest parliament is sponsored by member of the Legislative Council the Hon Shayne Mallard MLC.

"This exhibition is NSW like you've never seen it before," Mr Mallard said. "It features photographs taken in the late 1800s and sent to Queen Victoria, as a way for the former penal colony to promote itself as a sophisticated, progressive place.

“The album has everything from beautiful natural landscapes to important buildings like Government House, plus images of industry in action. It's a real time capsule."

Adam Lindsay, Executive Director of NSW State Archives and Sydney Living Museums, said the story behind the Queen's Album is just as captivating as the images.

"The album was given to Queen Victoria in 1882 by NSW Premier and Colonial Secretary Sir Henry Parkes – but where the original book ended up is a complete mystery," Mr Lindsay said.

Discovery of the photographs' glass plate negatives in 2018 allowed the album to be reimagined for The Queen’s Album exhibit and ignited an international search.

"We're still on the hunt for this unique piece of history," said Mr Lindsay.

"Everyone who comes along to the exhibit is invited to put on their detective hat and join the search online and, in the meantime, enjoy what we've been able to recreate."

The Queen's Album can be seen 9am to 5pm weekdays from May 5 to 27 at NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney. Learn more at www.bit.ly/queens-album.

On May 19, visitors to Parliament can enjoy an after-hours talk by University of Sydney Professor Anne Twomey about the relationship between imperial and colonial law on Australia's path to independence, and take in The Queen's Album in the evening.

Book your place for this special event at www.bit.ly/house-talks (bookings essential).