Wellington Harbour Board Photographic Negatives

Descriptive Data

Archives IdentifierAC099Date Range1890-1955DescriptionThis series comprises photographic negatives commissioned by or donated to the Wellington Harbour Board (WHB). It is directly related to AC097 and may once have been part of that series, indicated by correlating subject matter and gaps in the numbering sequence of AC097. It is not clear, however, why the negatives in AC099 were removed from AC097. Photography taken specifically for the WHB was contracted out (for a sample of photographers used see AC065 – Sundry Accounts). This practice appears to have continued throughout the Board’s lifetime (see AC023:194:9). In general the photographic/negative collections were used for record, publicity and reference purposes, with a particular focus on the history of the Port of Wellington (see AC023:194:9). Many of the AC099 negatives correspond to photographic prints in the WHB photograph albums. Copies of photographic material were regularly requested by the public for use in publications, for personal interest and for occasions such as reunions (see AC020 - Inwards Correspondence and AC023 - WHB Administration Files). There is even correspondence from the Alexander Turnbull Library expressing interest in obtaining copies (see AC023:194:9). Negatives corresponding to photographic prints in the WHB photograph albums have album references recorded in the Copies field of the individual record item. Subject matter focuses on Wellington Harbour Board facilities, visiting ships and the general Wellington harbour-side area. There is little record of how the negatives were managed by the WHB. The WHB administration and inwards correspondence series indicate that AC099 was probably managed through the Head Office Department. There are no WHB controlling indexes. As mentioned it is likely that AC099, along with AC098, was once part of AC097 forming a single sequence of negatives. The negatives were unnumbered and so have been artificially arranged. Physically the items are boxed according to format and size, adhering to safe storage practice.Quantity (Linear Metres)1MediumPhotographSystem of ArrangementNumericalCollection TypeWellington Museums Trust

Image

Wellington Harbour boom gate

Mobile crane

Transporting cargo outside Shed 14

Onyx

Point Howard Wharf, site of proposed oil berth

Scorching Bay

Breaker Bay

Map of port of Wellington in board room

Building of Shed 51

Interior of Shed 51 under construction

Jervois Quay

Thorndon

Series

Wellington Harbour Board Photographic Negatives, Circa 1880-1948

Wellington Harbour Board Photographic Glass Plate Negatives, 1895-1955

Access Information

Restriction StatusOpen

Related Agencies

Controlling or Creating AgencyWellington Harbour BoardRelationship Date Range1880-1989

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Wellington Harbour Board Photographic Negatives