Harold Cazneaux and the University of Sydney in 1927

About Harold Cazneaux's 1927 photographs of the University of Sydney

In 1927, the Australian photographer, Harold Cazneaux (1878 – 1953), was commissioned by the University of Sydney to make a photographic record of the students and buildings as part of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the commencement of teaching at the University. Twenty-five of these images were reproduced in the journal, The Home in September 1927 (University of Sydney Archives, M215). The issue featured the Great Hall and Main Building, veterinary, medical, physics, chemistry, and engineering students, and included an article on ‘The University and Modern Life’ by Professor John Le Gay Brereton as well as an appeal for benefactors.

The complete set of glass plate negatives taken in 1927 by Harold Cazneaux has been stored in the University Archives since the late 1950s when they were given to the University by Cazneaux’s daughter, Rainbow Johnson. In 1997 the University Archives and the University Art Collection held an exhibition featuring more than forty Cazneaux photographs. The glass-plate negatives were photographed and digital images were produced. For access to these images and permission to use them, please email the University Archives.

For more biographical information about Harold Cazneaux, visit the website of the National Library of Australia.

Photographs

The following photographs by Harold Cazneaux are courtesy of the University of Sydney Archives. An enlargement of most images can be viewed by clicking on the image.

• Above: Clock Tower, Quadrangle, 1927.

• Above: Fisher Library (now MacLaurin Hall), 1927.

• Above: Veterinary School, Hospital observation box, 1927.

• Above: Physics Department, Research, 1927.

• Above: Chemistry Department Research Laboratory, 1927.

• Above: Medical School – Cancer Research Department, 1927.

• Above: Engineering School – third year students and the diesel engine in Power House, 1927.

• Above: Quadrangle, entrance under the Great Tower, 1927.

• Above: Final examinations in the Great Hall, 1927.

• Above: Examinations in the Great Hall, 1927.

• Above: Main building, eastern façade – south eastern corner, 1927.

• Above: Chemistry and Physics, northern façade – now Bank and Post Office, 1927.

• Above: Manning House, women students on stairs, Physics Building in background, 1927.

• Above: Veterinary School, Professor Stewart and Mr J K Hawthorne, 1927.

• Above: Union Building (now Holme building), 1927.

• Above: Medical School – Dr Nolan and 2nd year osteology class, 1927.

• Above: Wilson Museum, Anatomy class, 1927.

• Above: Anatomy students, 1927.

• Above: Engineering School – third year students testing the Refrigerating Plant, 1927.

• Above: Macleay Museum, Gosper Lane, 1927.