Monday 25 May 2015

Pyrmont Bridge - Then & Now - 1


The first Pymont Bridge, across Darling Harbour, was opened in 1858. It was wooden. It was replaced in 1902 by this steel bridge. Both versions had a swing span which opened to allow the passage of tall ships.


The "Then" shot was taken by Charles Kerry, and is part of the Tyrrell Photographic Collection at the Powerhouse Museum. They estimate it was taken between 1902 and 1917. I walked across on a most blustery day, and the span swung open behind me. My shots were taken facing east. The structure across the bridge(the little house) is the control room for the opening span.


5 comments:

Luis Gomez said...

Nice! I always liked this bridge.

William Kendall said...

Quite a difference! We have one bridge here that is a lift bridge, though the style and mechanism is very different.

Jim said...

Great comparisons.

Joe said...

A very different view today than it was a century ago Julie.

Joan Elizabeth said...

The before and afters are fascinating.