Patheorama film strip viewer, with Views of Sydney Harbour Bridge film roll

R 2411

fonds

between 1920 and 1932

Objects, Graphic Materials, Photographs

9676116

1 film viewer (1 box), includes film roll of 15 images - card, glass, rubber; 35mm positive film - In box 5.5 x 13.5 x 5 cm

Patheorama filmstrip viewers were produced by the Pathé-Frérès entertainment group from the early 1920s. The viewer allows for the insertion of a film strip 28mm wide (a 35mm film strip with one edge removed) with the roll moved along by a rubber wheel manually operated by an external knob, from one compartment to the other over a frosted screen and viewed through a magnified lens on the opposite side. The viewer only requires natural light to illuminate the film.

The film roll appears to have been produced by FotoBits and sold by Stead & Baker, Ultimo, as a souvenir to celebrate the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.

Stead & Baker are listed in the Sands Sydney, Suburban and Country Commercial Directory, 1932-33 as follows:
"Established 20 years. General Engineers, Brass Founders, Brass Finishers, Castings in Brass, Gun Metal, Phos. [?], Aluminium, Boiler Fittings, Plumbers' Fittings, etc." and selling "Motor Accessories and Spare Parts, Tools and Hardware ... 743-745 Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney."

Patheorama film strip viewer, approximately 1922, likely made from carton bouilli ("boiled cardboard"), in original box, made by Pathe, Vincennes, Paris.

Accompanying positive non-flammable safety film roll is 18 frames long, with 15 photographs showing views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in various stages of construction from start to finish:
1. [Sydney Harbour Bridge facts and statistics]
2. [Sydney Harbour Bridge facts and statistics]
3. South portion of the arch from boat - note workers descending for lunch
4. South portion of the arch from base of the northern arch (Milson's Point)
5. From ferry boat
6. Arch, short before completion - note the cables
7. From McMahons Point
8. Cables after release
9. From McMahons Point
10. From ferry boat
11. From Lavender Bay
12. From Dawes Point
13. From Lady Macquarie's Chair
14. Open for traffic, March 19, 1932
15. Crossing traffic
16. Aerial sketch
17. Bridge at night sketch
18. [Frame titled "THE END"]

Out of copyright:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Title devised by cataloguer. Photographic titles taken from film frames.

Label on viewer cover:
Patheorama
Brevete S.G.D.G.
Film ininflammable
Pathe, Vincennes
Yellow label attached to box over Patheorama label:
Views of Sydney Harbour Bridge
Commenced 26th March 1925, Opened 19th March, 1932
Red label affixed to inside of viewer cover (appears to have been pasted over original Patheorama label):
FOTOBITS (Reg.)
Extra films of leading events, educational items and views, will be available from time to time, as advertised in the "Sydney Morning Herald" (For Sale column), first of each month. Price 1/6 for 15 pictures.
Stead & Baker, 743-5 Harris St., Ultimo, N.S.W. M 2887 (3 lines)

FotoBits logo is on the lower right of each photograph.

Patheorama film strip viewers were produced from around the early 1920s. The film roll is dated by the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.

Reference:
The Patheorama viewer and Cocorico projector.
https://www.pathefilm.uk/pathe/pathepatheorama.htm (Accessed 15 November 2023)

The wheel that moves the roll of photographs forward is worn and should not be used. The film can be removed from case to enable photographs to be viewed, but should be handled with gloves and care.