Developing Sydney: Capturing change 1900-1920

The exhibition Developing Sydney: Capturing change 1900–1920 highlights photographs commissioned by council between 1900 and 1920.

The exhibition includes the 96 images below taken from the City’s Demolition Books Glass Negatives series (AS-0936), comprising negative originals of the related album and print Demolition Books series (AS-0051). Taken together, these series represent one of the key photographic collections held by the City Archives, and comprise over 50 albums, 5000 prints and 1400 accompanying glass plate negatives.

Developing Sydney: Capturing change 1900–1920 is displayed on levels 1 and 2 of Customs House from March 2020 to October 2022.

If you cannot see it live, a virtual tour of the exhibition is available on the Customs House website for you to enjoy.

The City of Sydney Data Hub also features a story map on the exhibition. There is an interactive map and the ability to swipe over superimposed pictures to see what's changed as well as some artistic blending of the old and new.  

Note: This collection also displays some recently scanned Demolition Books. Many of the photographs you will find within the albums were not included in the exhibition. More Demolition Books will be scanned and made available in the catalogue over time.