New exhibition shows changing face of Fremantle

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The WA Maritime Museum has announced a new photography exhibition, Fremantle Then & Now: Historical Panoramas, exploring the changing face of Fremantle from the 1800s to the present day.

A new lens. Today, Freo is an eclectic and vibrant port city, with a rhythm that is distinctly its own
Description: Contemporary panorama of Fremantle harbour
Credit/Acknowledgement: Courtesy Fremantle Ports
Contemporary panorama of Fremantle harbour Credit/Acknowledgement: Courtesy Fremantle Ports

Through historical panoramic photographs, taken at seven vantage points across the port city, the exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore 155 years of history, using immersive digital projection technologies developed by the Curtin University Hub for Immersive Visualisation and eResearch (HIVE).

The exhibition also explores Fremantle’s or Walyalup’s deep history over millennia, and the dramatic changes that followed the arrival of Europeans. Local photographers and photographic studios are also featured.

Grand buildings and new amenities began to transform a coastal village
Description: Lionel Samson & Son store c1920
Credit/Acknowledgment: Courtesy State Library of Western Australia, 032711PD
Lionel Samson & Son store circa 1920. Credit/Acknowledgment: Courtesy State Library of Western Australia, 032711PD

Western Australian Museum Chief Executive Officer, Alec Coles said Fremantle Then & Now is a chance for visitors to reflect on the city’s past, present, and future.

“The exhibition highlights the waves of change Fremantle/Walyalup has experienced,” Mr Coles said.

“As you ‘virtually’ enter the streets and alleyways in the panoramas, you will encounter fascinating stories of the people who have lived and worked in this place.”

The 20 panoramic images celebrating the changes and legacy of Fremantle have been digitally layered through a collaboration between the Curtin HIVE and the State Library of Western Australia.

The prosperity of the colony relied on the development of a safe, all-weather harbour
Description: Immigrants at Fremantle Immigration Office
Credit/Acknowledgement: Courtesy State Library of Western Australia, 3051B/206
Immigrants at Fremantle Immigration Office Credit/Acknowledgement: Courtesy State Library of Western Australia, 3051B/206

Curtin University’s HIVE Manager, Associate Professor Andrew Woods said photographic panoramas provide a wonderful way to experience a city.

“We are fortunate that photographers over the years have captured these amazing views of Fremantle – revealing details of the familiar and the unusual. 

“By applying modern visualisation technologies to these photographic historical treasures, we are allowing visitors to travel back in time and see Fremantle in a way they may have never seen before,” A/Prof. Woods said.

A program of associated events celebrating the changes and legacy of Fremantle has been developed and includes self-guided tours, walking tours for schools, photography and craft workshops, school holiday activities, lectures, and more.

The exhibition is on display until Sunday 19 February 2023, and runs from 9.30am to 5pm.

Entry to the new exhibition is included with paid entry to the WA Maritime Museum. You can find out more here. 

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