Photographs and papers of William J. Dinnie relating to Cockatoo Island, 1910-1921

PXE 1756

fonds

1910-1921

Graphic Materials, Photographs, Textual Records

9630927

12 photographs and 3 items of textual material (1 box) - gelatin silver; manuscript and typed

William Jersey Dinnie, born January 15, 1891, son of William and Elizabeth Dinnie, of 22 Bellevue Street, Surrey Hills. At age 19 he was apprenticed to work at the Government Dock Yard, Biloela (later renamed Cockatoo Island). William entered work on 11 April, 1910, starting at the Workshops of the NSW Department of Public Works. On 10 August, 1914, William was transferred from the Workshops and was employed as a Junior Draughtsman, which he occupied until 14th May 1921. In 1923 he wed Carrie May (nee Jarrett), and they moved into a new home in Lakemba, with William’s parent. Census records from the 1930s-1960s, list William Jersey as draftsman. William Dinnie died June 1, 1982.

From vendor.

Twelve gelatin silver photographs mostly relating to the career of William Dinnie at Cockatoo Island, 1910-1921. The images show the Island’s industrial and naval occupation, including aspects of ship building, ship launching and other naval and maritime activities.
One highlight of the collection is the set of six photographs depicting views of Sutherland Dock. Dated and inscribed on the verso, 'Pontoon, Sutherland Dock, Cockatoo, 1918' when construction was only completed in 1890.

Also included are images of Engineering staff on Cockatoo Island, a postcard image inscribed on the verso, 'Cockatoo Island', Engineering Staff, and Foreman, and associated with it are some handwritten notes identifying the persons photographed, the busy interior of the Engine drawing office, with suited draftsmen at work, a new boat launching, and naval officers, posing on deck, in full service dress whites.

Letter to William J. Dinnie from Public Service Board, April 6, 1910. Acceptance of employment as an apprentice by NSW Department of Public Works.

Letter to William J. Dinnie from Eden Photo Studios, June 19, 1911. Letter requesting permission to enlarge a photograph taken by Dinnie.

Letter to William J. Dinnie from the Department of Navy, May 1921. Letter shows his employment history and reason for his retrenchment being shortness of work.

Out of copyright: Photographs - created before 1955
Copyright status:: Manuscripts - In copyright, life of author plus 70 years
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Some photographs have inscriptions and dates.