Made By Heath Killen » Sydney Harbour Bridge

February 11th, 2010
Things
Sydney Harbour Bridge—

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a monumental and iconic structure. A feat of engineering and a rare symbol of strength from the depression era. Along with the Sydney Opera House, the kangaroo and Uluru, it’s one of the strongest and most frequently appropriated symbols used to represent Australia. You need only walk into a souvenir or gift shop to see it in dozens of different forms, from t-shirts to paper weights.

Plans to build the bridge date back as far as 1815, but it wasn’t until a plan by engineer John Bradfield (based on Hells Gate Bridge in New York) was put into effect in 1922. Ten years, ten million dollars, and the lives of sixteen workers later, the bridge was opened to much fanfare. At the opening, right wing activist Francis de Groot, in full military attire, rode up on a horse to the ceremonial ribbon and cut it. Allegedly de Groot was protesting the fact that it was state premier Jack Lang and not King George V who had not been asked to officiate the ceremony.

I’ve always been deeply fascinated with the construction of the bridge. There’s something quite haunting and beautiful about these grainy, sepia toned photos of the half-built arch. Most of the photos and film taken of the construction were by Australian photographer Henri Mallard who initiated the documentation himself. Mallard would often place himself in extremely dangerous positions, often hundred of meters above the harbour to capture the images. It’s always inspiring to see someone risk life and limb for their craft, and given how incredible and important these photos are, we can all be glad he did.

Enjoy.