Monday, December 16, 2013

Paddington "slums" in the '60s ...


I love an old photo of Paddington and this one is a beauty.  This caught my eye at the launch of the Woollahra Plaque scheme and the local history staff helpfully sent a scan my way.  This was a slide that was taken by local resident Geoffrey Paton in the 1960's which has been donated to the local history centre.  The handwritten note on the border of the slide describes this as "Paddington slums from the Bowling Club.  Quarry St.  Woollahra c. 1960".

The biggest issue in trying to replicate this now is all the damn trees!  I am not convinced it was taken from the bowling club but I will tell you I recognise that intersection at the top middle of the photo.  That my friends is Gurner Street (so you can see the famous Corner Store).  The terraces on Cascade Street are quite easier to recognise as well.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Wynne Prize

The "View from Cambridge Street, Paddington" has featured in many artworks over time.  In 1945 it made the finals of the Wynne Prize.  Painted by James Crisp (1879-1962).

Unfortunately the AGNSW doesn't have photos of all the finalists from back then so this might take some time to dig up.  If anyone has the work please send us a photo!