Set of 36 stereoscope cards commemorating the visit of the 'Great White Fleet '

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Rose Stereograph Co.

c. 1908

Overview

Boxed set of 36 stereoscope cards commemorating the visit of the 'Great White Fleet' to Australia in 1908. They were produced by the Rose Stereograph Company.
Each has two copies of the same image, side by side. When placed in a stereoviewer at the right distance from the eyepieces, the two images blend into one,allowing the viewer to see a photograph as a three-dimensional image.
Stereoscope cards were a popular memento or souvenir and were produced in sets, in this case with images of the ships, parades and decorations.

Historical information

The Rose Stereograph Company was based in Melbourne and was founded in 1880 by George Rose. It is estimated that the company produced at least 9000 stereo cards, offering a variety of images from a number of countries. The Great White Fleet's visit to Australia was a highly anticipated public event that generated many souvenirs including a set of stereoscope cards offering views of the fleet around Melbourne and Sydney.

The Great White Fleet was the name given to the group of United States Navy battleships that completed a journey around the globe from December 16, 1907, to February 22, 1909, by order of President Theodore Roosevelt.
It comprised 16 white-painted battleships divided into two squadrons, along with various small escorts.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00167

Item type

Collectibles

Photographs

Souvenirs

Themes

Defence > Navy
Social History
Transport

Material

Cardboard

Ink