photography

From the Curator | Condor’s Milk Bar

Travel back in time to Conder’s Milk Bar for a delicious banana split topped with ice cream, wafers, nuts and chocolate syrup!  Jack Conder opened his eponymous milk bar on Sturt Street in 1941 at the tender age of 25. As well as ice cream, Conder’s sold pastries, cigarettes, candy and newspapers.  Conder’s fast became a popular […]

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From the Curator | Shopping at Walter Davis & Co

The art deco beauty of Walter Davis & Co. Walter Davis & Co first opened on Bridge Street in 1920, selling men’s, ladies and children’s clothing, as well as household furnishings and manchester. By 1930, the shop was solely focused on ladies fashion, with Walter’s brother Joseph opening a men’s clothing store nearby. Walter and

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From the Curator | London Chartered Bank Building

Built in 1866, the former London Chartered Bank Building was one of the four handsome buildings that graced “the corner” of Lydiard and Sturt Streets for much of the 20th century. The building was designed by the celebrated architect Leonard Terry, known for his designs of banks and churches, including the former Bank of Australasia

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From the Curator | The Golden City Steamer

If you’re planning on spending some leisure time at Lake Wendouree this weekend, you might spot the recreated Golden City Paddlesteamer! The original Golden City Paddlesteamer was launched on the 16th June 1885, carrying thousands of pleasure seekers for leisure rides on the lake. In 1966 the paddlesteamer was sold and relocated to Melbourne, where

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From the Curator | The Coliseum Fire

We are featuring a photograph from our Ballarat International Foto Biennale exhibition of photographs from the Max Harris Collection, ‘Coliseum Fire.’ The Coliseum was built in Ballarat in 1908 by the Royal South Street Society, a spacious new home for their celebrated Eisteddfods. By the 1930’s, the Coliseum had become a 4,000 seat theatre and

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From the Curator | MacRobertson’s Steam Confectionery Works

Did you enjoy an Old Gold, Freddo Frog or Cherry Ripe chocolate over Easter?  These much-loved chocolates were first manufactured by MacRobertson’s Steam Confectionery Works. The company’s founder, MacPherson Robertson, was born in Ballarat in 1859. Robertson’s Scottish father and Irish mother were part of thousands of immigrants who flocked to Victoria during the Goldrush,

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Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Champagne on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | $40

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BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing