Landscape of the original township of Perth_Circa 1855_Eugene von Guérard

Purchased by the National Gallery of Australia in 2009, this original painting is by Eugene von Guérard and was only recently identified as being of the township of Perth circa 1855. While the bridge is certainly consistent with the Perth bridge, for the arches and the colour of the stones, it is not entirely clear how accurate this painting is of the town or where von Guérard was standing. Reference: National Gallery of Australia; Landscape of the original township of Perth, 2009.557 1855.

OLD PHOTOS OF PERTH

Here are a selection of historic photos, images, and drawings of Perth from over the years.

Clicking on the photo will take you to the archives/library/website where that image is located.

If you have any old photos of Perth that you would like to see here, please contact us!

Purchased by the National Gallery of Australia in 2009, this original painting is by Eugene von Guérard and was only recently identified as being of the township of Perth circa 1855. Reference: National Gallery of Australia; Landscape of the original township of Perth, 2009.557 1855.	View of Perth circa 1855 from a drawing by Emily Bowring. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1987-P-0826	Etching of Perth by Edward Paxman Brandard, circa 1874. Reference: National Library of Australia; Perth, Tasmania / S. Prout; E. Brandard, PIC Drawer 46 #S276 1874.
Copy of the Hobart Town Gazette of 1 September 1821 including the gazetting of the towns of Perth, Campbell Town, Oatlands, and Brighton.	Main street of Perth, circa 1957. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Teaching Aids Centre - Photographic Prints - Sequence [1 - 12387], AB713-1-5692 1957.	Aerial view of Perth Tasmania circa 1921 by H J King. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1991-P-1408
Aerial view of Perth Tasmania circa 1921 by H J King. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1991-P-1406	View looking along river bank across paddocks as floodwaters recede the former site of the bridge being visible in the distance, April 1929. Two men are also visible in the left foreground. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1998-P-0116	View looking along river bank across paddocks towards the bridge. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1998-P-0115
View overlooking the South Esk River near Perth Tasmania 30 April 1960. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-5257	View overlooking the South Esk River near Perth Tasmania with a train. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-5259	View overlooking the South Esk River near Perth Tasmania 30 April 1960. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-5258
View of the train Tasman Limited near Perth Tasmania 12 January 1963. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-4581	Portrait of Captain William Wood, circa 1830s by Henry Mundy (1798–1848). Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1998-FP-0002	View of the inscription on the vault of Captain William Wood and his wife. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1987-P-1256
View of the Perth Bridge, note the goverment district buildings behind the bridge. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM1983P1539	Photo 2 from the Weekly Courier showing the main street of Perth crica December 1919. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; The Weekly courier photo-lithographic inserts collection, SD_ILS:1010593 1919.	Photo 4 from the Weekly Courier showing soldiers marching past the old mill. 16 April 1914. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; The Weekly courier photo-lithographic inserts collection, SD_ILS:1010593 1914.
A photo from the Examiner's 'Weekly Courier' of the old Government District. This subsequently was used as a brewery. Dated 1 August 1918. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; The Weekly courier photo-lithographic inserts collection, SD_ILS:1010593 1918.	The War Memorial on Main Road, circa 1920. Reference: Australian War Memorial; Perth, Tasmania. A WWI War Memorial erected in honour of the people in the area who lost their lives in the war. It was unveiled by Captain J. Newland VC on 30 October 1920, H17736 1920-1929.	Perth's War Memorial. Note the blank space under 'unveiled by'. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Wynbromoprint and Valentine series, AUTAS0016125437160 1840-1940.
The War Memorial on Main Road, circa 1920. Reference: Australian War Memorial; Perth, Tasmania. The city's WWI War Memorial standing in an enclosed area which was constructed after the Memorial was unveiled, H17737 1920-1929.	A wonderful photo of the Regatta at Perth, circa 1890-1895. Note the old bridge in the background, and the remains of the Government District buildings on the Eastern bank of the river. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; Northern Tasmanian Camera Club album. no. 26 1895 Northern Tasmanian Camera Club, SD_ILS:912857 1890-1895.	A collection of photos including some of Perth. Circa 1930s. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; Early Tasmanian architecture [album 1] Frank Heyward, 1920-1942.
A group of photographs of an old Perth Inn. Note the words 'Perth Inn' in pencil above the top photo. This is actually the Tasmanian Inn which was on the corner of Main Road and Drummond Street. The building in the background is the Victoria Hall. Neither of these two buildings remain standing today. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; Early Tasmanian architecture [album 2] Frank Heyward, SD_ILS:907322 1920-1940.	Mill at Scone, circa 1837, sketch by Elizabeth Hudspeth. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; SLIDES 91S; CD IMAGES24, SD_ILS:75933 1837.	The old mill at Scone (now Eskleigh). Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Miscellaneous Collection of Photographs, PH30-1-1150 1860-1992.
Copy of drawing 'The Old Mill at Perth' by Louisa Anne Meredith. Published in "Over the Straits: a visit to Victoria", 1861, p.38 Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Launceston Collection of Photographs of Places, Events, Buildings and General Subjects, LPIC147-5-263 1961.	View of Ritchies Mill, Scone, later known as Eskleigh Home. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-0134	Old mill looking towards Perth, circa 1906. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Miscellaneous Collection of Photographs, PH30-1-2288 1906.
The old mill on the road between Perth and Evandale. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Album of Photographs, Launceston and Surrounds, LPIC50-31-1-15 1900-1919.	The old mill. Note the boat on the river. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Miscellaneous Collection of Photographs, PH30-1-656 1900.	The old mill circa 1910. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Launceston Collection of Photographs of Places, Events, Buildings and General Subjects, LPIC147-5-256 1910.
The Jolly Farmer. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Heritage Photographs, NS2267-1-859 1960-1992.	The former Jolly Farmer Inn. Once the home of poet Norma Davis. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Photographic Slides, LPIC1-5-127 1957-1977.	Forestry Commission Manager's residence. Circa 1963. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Negatives, NS3195-1-2773 1963.
The Stone House on William and Frederick Streets. Circa 1955. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Transparencies, NS6843-1-67 1955.	Stone House on William Street, circa 1966. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Photographs of Tasmanian Buildings and Individuals Taken by Sir Ralph Whishaw, NS165-1-353 1966.	Beulah on William Street. The former Rectory and residence of Rev. and Mrs Stackhouse. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Album of Photographs and Postcards, LPIC36-1-46_36 1900-1920.
A couple of the last remaining buildings from the Government District (now Forestry). These may be some of the oldest buildings in the state. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Photographic Slides, LPIC1-5-139 1957-1977.	Perth school on Frederick Street, circa 1961. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Teaching Aids Centre - Photographic Prints - Sequence [1 - 12387], AB713-1-8502 1961.	Native Point, circa 1966. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Photographs of Tasmanian Buildings and Individuals Taken by Sir Ralph Whishaw, NS165-1-351 1966.
Native Point, circa 1976. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Collection of Colour Slides of Launceston Buildings, LPIC33-2-155 1976.	View of the Tasman Limited train crossing viaduct, circa 1960s. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-4579	View of the Tasman Limited train crossing viaduct, circa 1960s. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-4575
View of the Tasman Limited train crossing viaduct, circa 1960s. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-4577	An amazing piece of convict history: a railway viaduct. This marvel still stands and can be viewed on the road between Perth and Evandale. Circa 1970. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Collection of Colour Slides of Launceston Buildings, LPIC33-1-83 1970.	Church on Main Road. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Copies of Photographs of Northern Tasmanian Churches, LPIC108-1-69 1998-2006.
Church now at 86 Main Road. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Wynbromoprint and Valentine series, AUTAS0016125437079 1840-1940.	One of the earliest and most interesting photos of Perth. Note the size of the Government District on the East bank of the river. The roof of the Tabernacle and other churches can also be seen. Old Punt Road can also be seen. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Launceston Collection of Photographs of Places, Events, Buildings and General Subjects, LPIC147-6-277 1859-2013.	The Leatherbottle Inn. This building used to have a second story before it was destroyed by fire. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Heritage Photographs, NS2267-1-858 1960-1992.
The Leatherbottle Inn circa 1975. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Photographs, Glass Plate Negatives, Steroscopic Slides and Negatives used by Tourism Agencies to Publicise Tasmania, AA375-1-1260 1975.	Perth Baptist Tabernacle on Clarence St. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Launceston Collection of Photographs of Places, Events, Buildings and General Subjects, LPIC147-5-261 1859-2013.	A poster advertising pigeon shooting at Perth. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; SLIDES 285S :CD IMAGES52, SD_ILS:639020 1870.
House on Clarence St, 1962. Reference: Tasmanian Archives, Collection of Colour Slides of Launceston Buildings, LPIC33-2-152 1962.	Cyclists outside the Queens Head Inn. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Launceston Collection of Photographs of Places, Events, Buildings and General Subjects, LPIC147-3-240 1859-2013.	Aerial photo of Perth taken on 11 March 1947.
Aerial photo of Perth taken on 24 March 1961.	Aerial photo of Perth taken on 11 February 1971.	Aerial photo of Perth taken on 11 April 1975.
Aerial photo of Perth taken on 30 October 1984	Aerial photo of Perth taken on 26 March 2011.

PERTH TASMANIA RESEARCH ROOM

OLD PHOTOS OF PERTH

Purchased by the National Gallery of Australia in 2009, this original painting is by Eugene von Guérard and was only recently identified as being of the township of Perth circa 1855. Reference: National Gallery of Australia; Landscape of the original township of Perth, 2009.557 1855.

View of Perth circa 1855 from a drawing by Emily Bowring. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1987-P-0826

Etching of Perth by Edward Paxman Brandard, circa 1874. Reference: National Library of Australia; Perth, Tasmania / S. Prout; E. Brandard, PIC Drawer 46 #S276 1874.

Copy of the Hobart Town Gazette of 1 September 1821 including the gazetting of the towns of Perth, Campbell Town, Oatlands, and Brighton.

Main street of Perth, circa 1957. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Teaching Aids Centre - Photographic Prints - Sequence [1 - 12387], AB713-1-5692 1957.

Aerial view of Perth Tasmania circa 1921 by H J King. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1991-P-1408

Aerial view of Perth Tasmania circa 1921 by H J King. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1991-P-1406

View looking along river bank across paddocks as floodwaters recede the former site of the bridge being visible in the distance, April 1929. Two men are also visible in the left foreground. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1998-P-0116

View looking along river bank across paddocks towards the bridge. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1998-P-0115

View overlooking the South Esk River near Perth Tasmania 30 April 1960. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-5257

View overlooking the South Esk River near Perth Tasmania with a train. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-5259

View overlooking the South Esk River near Perth Tasmania 30 April 1960. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-5258

View of the train Tasman Limited near Perth Tasmania 12 January 1963. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-4581

Portrait of Captain William Wood, circa 1830s by Henry Mundy (1798–1848). Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1998-FP-0002

View of the inscription on the vault of Captain William Wood and his wife. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1987-P-1256

View of the Perth Bridge, note the goverment district buildings behind the bridge. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM1983P1539

Photo 2 from the Weekly Courier showing the main street of Perth crica December 1919. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; The Weekly courier photo-lithographic inserts collection, SD_ILS:1010593 1919.

Photo 4 from the Weekly Courier showing soldiers marching past the old mill. 16 April 1914. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; The Weekly courier photo-lithographic inserts collection, SD_ILS:1010593 1914.

A photo from the Examiner's 'Weekly Courier' of the old Government District. This subsequently was used as a brewery. Dated 1 August 1918. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; The Weekly courier photo-lithographic inserts collection, SD_ILS:1010593 1918.

The War Memorial on Main Road, circa 1920. Reference: Australian War Memorial; Perth, Tasmania. A WWI War Memorial erected in honour of the people in the area who lost their lives in the war. It was unveiled by Captain J. Newland VC on 30 October 1920, H17736 1920-1929.

Perth's War Memorial. Note the blank space under 'unveiled by'. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Wynbromoprint and Valentine series, AUTAS0016125437160 1840-1940.

The War Memorial on Main Road, circa 1920. Reference: Australian War Memorial; Perth, Tasmania. The city's WWI War Memorial standing in an enclosed area which was constructed after the Memorial was unveiled, H17737 1920-1929.

A collection of photos including some of Perth. Circa 1930s. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; Early Tasmanian architecture [album 1] Frank Heyward, 1920-1942.

Mill at Scone, circa 1837, sketch by Elizabeth Hudspeth. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; SLIDES 91S; CD IMAGES24, SD_ILS:75933 1837.

The old mill at Scone (now Eskleigh). Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Miscellaneous Collection of Photographs, PH30-1-1150 1860-1992.

Copy of drawing 'The Old Mill at Perth' by Louisa Anne Meredith. Published in "Over the Straits: a visit to Victoria", 1861, p.38 Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Launceston Collection of Photographs of Places, Events, Buildings and General Subjects, LPIC147-5-263 1961.

View of Ritchies Mill, Scone, later known as Eskleigh Home. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-0134

Old mill looking towards Perth, circa 1906. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Miscellaneous Collection of Photographs, PH30-1-2288 1906.

The old mill on the road between Perth and Evandale. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Album of Photographs, Launceston and Surrounds, LPIC50-31-1-15 1900-1919.

The old mill. Note the boat on the river. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Miscellaneous Collection of Photographs, PH30-1-656 1900.

The old mill circa 1910. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Launceston Collection of Photographs of Places, Events, Buildings and General Subjects, LPIC147-5-256 1910.

The Jolly Farmer. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Heritage Photographs, NS2267-1-859 1960-1992.

The former Jolly Farmer Inn. Once the home of poet Norma Davis. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Photographic Slides, LPIC1-5-127 1957-1977.

Forestry Commission Manager's residence. Circa 1963. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Negatives, NS3195-1-2773 1963.

The Stone House on William and Frederick Streets. Circa 1955. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Transparencies, NS6843-1-67 1955.

Stone House on William Street, circa 1966. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Photographs of Tasmanian Buildings and Individuals Taken by Sir Ralph Whishaw, NS165-1-353 1966.

Beulah on William Street. The former Rectory and residence of Rev. and Mrs Stackhouse. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Album of Photographs and Postcards, LPIC36-1-46_36 1900-1920.

A couple of the last remaining buildings from the Government District (now Forestry). These may be some of the oldest buildings in the state. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Photographic Slides, LPIC1-5-139 1957-1977.

Perth school on Frederick Street, circa 1961. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Teaching Aids Centre - Photographic Prints - Sequence [1 - 12387], AB713-1-8502 1961.

Native Point, circa 1966. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Photographs of Tasmanian Buildings and Individuals Taken by Sir Ralph Whishaw, NS165-1-351 1966.

Native Point, circa 1976. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Collection of Colour Slides of Launceston Buildings, LPIC33-2-155 1976.

View of the Tasman Limited train crossing viaduct, circa 1960s. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-4579

View of the Tasman Limited train crossing viaduct, circa 1960s. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-4575

View of the Tasman Limited train crossing viaduct, circa 1960s. Collection of the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania: QVM-1997-P-4577

An amazing piece of convict history: a railway viaduct. This marvel still stands and can be viewed on the road between Perth and Evandale. Circa 1970. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Collection of Colour Slides of Launceston Buildings, LPIC33-1-83 1970.

Church on Main Road. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Copies of Photographs of Northern Tasmanian Churches, LPIC108-1-69 1998-2006.

Church now at 86 Main Road. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Wynbromoprint and Valentine series, AUTAS0016125437079 1840-1940.

The Leatherbottle Inn. This building used to have a second story before it was destroyed by fire. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Heritage Photographs, NS2267-1-858 1960-1992.

The Leatherbottle Inn circa 1975. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Photographs, Glass Plate Negatives, Steroscopic Slides and Negatives used by Tourism Agencies to Publicise Tasmania, AA375-1-1260 1975.

Perth Baptist Tabernacle on Clarence St. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Launceston Collection of Photographs of Places, Events, Buildings and General Subjects, LPIC147-5-261 1859-2013.

A poster advertising pigeon shooting at Perth. Reference: State Library of Tasmania; SLIDES 285S :CD IMAGES52, SD_ILS:639020 1870.

House on Clarence St, 1962. Reference: Tasmanian Archives, Collection of Colour Slides of Launceston Buildings, LPIC33-2-152 1962.

Cyclists outside the Queens Head Inn. Reference: Tasmanian Archives; Launceston Collection of Photographs of Places, Events, Buildings and General Subjects, LPIC147-3-240 1859-2013.

Aerial photo of Perth taken on 11 March 1947.

Aerial photo of Perth taken on 24 March 1961.

Aerial photo of Perth taken on 11 February 1971.

Aerial photo of Perth taken on 11 April 1975.

Aerial photo of Perth taken on 30 October 1984

Aerial photo of Perth taken on 26 March 2011.