New book celebrates Kodachrome photography in '50s and '60s Victoria

23 October 2019
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A new book that shines a light on classic 1950s and 60s film photography in Victoria has hit the shelves. 

Visions of Victoria - The Magic of Kodachrome Film 1950-1975 by Nick Anchen, is a self-published 'labour of love.'

"The publication came about because of my love of old colour images, especially high quality Kodachrome transparencies from the 1950s and 60s," Anchen explains.

Rush hour on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets in December 1969. Image: Bernie Kelly
Rush hour on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets in December 1969. Image: Bernie Kelly

Kodachrome film became commercially available in Australia in the early 1950s, and with its vibrant colours and grainless quality, it quickly became the film of choice for many photographers of the day.

Hersey cows ramble across a bridge at Polly McQuinne's property in the Strathbogie Ranges, October 1955. Image: Peter Ralph
Jersey cows ramble across a bridge at Polly McQuinne's property in the Strathbogie Ranges, October 1955. Image: Peter Ralph

The book primarily features the work of two Melbourne photographers, Peter Ralph and Bernie Kelly, along with a number of other Kodachrome shooters who have opened their collections for the book.

Chaotic scenes in Melbourne following the flash flooding on 17 February 1972, with stationary trams and stranded commuters along St Kilda Road. Image: Bernie Kelly.
Chaotic scenes in Melbourne following the flash flooding on 17 February 1972, with stationary trams and stranded commuters along St Kilda Road. Image: Bernie Kelly.

"The book is a celebration of the wonders of Kodachrome film, which has a beautiful colour saturation and sharpness, and its own distinctive three dimensional 'look'", says Anchen.

The MCG captured from the cockpit of a Douglas DC-3 freighter during the November 1956 Olympic games. Image: Peter Ralph
The MCG captured from the cockpit of a Douglas DC-3 freighter during the November 1956 Olympic games. Image: Peter Ralph

"My aim has been to produce a book which takes a reader on a journey back in time, to a very different Melbourne and Victoria. I have attempted to capture a real sense of the social history of the times."

Joan Mitchell at Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island, March 1960. Image: Peter Ralph
Joan Mitchell at Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island, March 1960. Image: Peter Ralph

Visions of Victoria is available now though all good book stores, or from Nick Anchen directly at sierraaustralia.com.