A SPECIAL period of maritime history in Williamtown that was captured by an avid photographer is now available for viewing after 40 years.
Former Williamstown resident Richard Dobson has made available his collection of original and unpublished photos of shipping from the 1950s through to the 1970s.
“Every image is an original and they haven’t seen the light of day for 40 years,” Mr Dodson said.
The images consist of ships and shipping in and around Williamstown, immigrant liners, tugs, and cargo ships.
A ship and photo enthusiast, the images were taken by Mr Dodson from the age of 18 through to 23.
“I thought this is a passing time, I’ll take pictures before the ships disappear.”
Mr Dodson said he has sat on the images for decades because he didn’t have the money to produce them.
“I’m semi-retired so I thought it was time to waken them up … and that they go back to their spiritual homes (in Williamstown).”
The Customs Wharf Galleria is bedecked with 60 black and white and coloured images that give locals and maritime lovers a chance to see the types of ships that were around more than 50 years ago.
Mr Dodson said a stand-out image is Williamstown Harbour as it was in the late ’60s and images of the old Melbourne tug fleet in action.
“Anyone that wants to see the port of Melbourne as it used to be (should visit the exhibition). All of these ships had soul not like the container ships of today.”
The exhibition is open seven days a week from 11am for six weeks, at 126-128 Nelson place Williamstown.
