December 2020:

There was a tradition of temporary arches across the street for celebrations, and for Federation, quite a lot were put up. Especially since the Duke of Cornwall (later George V) was about to arrive to open the first Australian parliament at the Exhibition Buildings on 1 Jan, 1901. The first one I’ve shown, at Collins & Russell, was quite mad. Some were erected by various organisations and communities, with for instance a Chinese style one put up by the Chinese community. Thanks to @spoontzu for posting these to FB.

October 2025

This grand triumphal arch was built over Princes Bridge in 1901 by the City of Melbourne to welcome the Duke and Duchess of York to open the first Federal Parliament.

It was designed by Harold Desbrowe Annear in a very bold classical style, without too much flourish, but all white with details in deep red, the navel triumph symbol of the prow of a ship, lots of flags and tripod braziers on top lit at night. There were six pairs of columns as well on the bridge, representing the six states.

The procession came from St Kilda pier into the city, through a lot more arches, and out again past thousands of royalty mad citizens as they went to stay at Government House. Later there was a bit of a push to keep it, but it was only made of wood and plaster. This was Annear’s first big public project, showing he could do classical as well as the Arts & Crafts houses he was getting known for.

I was a bit surprised there’s so many photos of it, but then, it was a big event. There’s even a night one, I think it was lit mainly by gas.

Photos found on Facebook or State Library.

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