seller

Thanks for the picture. I was under the impression it was destroyed to the ground as a result of the blast. Here I can see that the pillar remained (without Nelson though). When did they knock it down altogether? Was it a matter of days or years?

eyair It was knocked within weeks when the military carried out a "controlled" explosion on the base. It caused much grief for the army as there was more damage done to local glass and business than in the original "uncontrolled" explosion. In reality the task of blowing up the base was much greater than that of the pillar, all they needed to do was damage the tube of the pillar and gravity would do the rest.

Crazy ... why didn't they just repair it.... great archival photo!!!

Angela Orlando Think 1966 the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising and the optics of re-erecting a symbol of British Imperialism. Also a sneaking good will towards those who had done the deed by many of those in power. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, see what the "lads" have done haha!!!

awesome

She's at Circular Quay, near Princes Stairs; we are looking south west. See note about buildings at right. 1895 interactive map - alignment of St Philips Church to the left of the hip-roofed building. www.nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.map-rm3443-sd&rgn=0... I wonder what all the rough stone was for? What was being built? Also seen here -

beachcomber australia B R I L L I A N T work! And the stone is intriguing, hmmn ...

The hipped-roof building behind features in Arthur Streeton's 'Circular Quay' 1892 - artsearch.nga.gov.au/Detail-LRG.cfm?IRN=47963&View=LRG Almost a reverse view, maybe the fruit-seller is in the painting too . . . ?

Probably piles of woodblocks to pave the streets. (On a first quick look it appears to be all sandstone, but it isn't) Large bluestone in the foreground, of the type used for kerbing.

State Library of New South Wales Aha woodblocks! That might provide a date. I did some snooping on Circular Quay woodblocks a few months ago and came up with an 1887 date from this - SMH 16/8/1887 p.7 'News of the Day' Para 4 - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/28350536

" WE are informed that arrangements have been made for the continuation of the wood-blocking of Circular Quay, which for some time past has been at a standstill. The portion at the south-east corner, including the frontage to Messrs. Flood and Co.'s wool stores and McMahon's New Bond, and the north-eastern portion, from the Orient Wharf past the Messageries to the Government boat shed, are now under orders for completion without delay. "

See comments here -

See how the front doors are up the steps above street level. The space below the steps is known as the Area and the servants worked in the rooms down there with only a view of the brick retaining wall out of their window.

Interesting information. Thanks!