Everyday Transience, An: The Urban Imaginary of Goldfields Photographer John Joseph Dwyer

WEST AUSTRALIANA Mining Photography –

Based in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, during the late 19th and early 20th century, John Joseph Dwyer captured the heart of Australia’s Goldfields with his photography. His outstanding images comprised street and industrial photography, as well as underground and night-time photography, taking advantage of recent innovations in artificial lighting. Dwyer’s work reflected approaches and viewpoints from across the globe, the developments and innovations in photography of that time, and the amazing changes that Kalgoorlie experienced at the turn of the 20th century. This book revisits Australia’s Goldfields with over 150 of Dwyer’s photographs, coupled with six essays and a short story by prize-winning author, Joan London. An Everyday Transience reclaims an integral part of Western Australia’s mining history that was discovered following Dwyer’s death and the subsequent sale of his studio. This is the first time many of these photographs have been made accessible to the public.

The work of 19th century photographer John Joseph Dwyer reveals the evolution of Australia’s Goldfields – its wealth, rapid growth and the subtle changes these invoked. A stunningly crafted book, An Everyday Transience blends Dwyer’s poignant photos with six essays and a short story by prize-winning author Joan London.

Editors Philip Goldswain and William Taylor pass an analytical eye over the 150 images featured – many of them discovered following Dwyer’s death – comprising of street and industrial photography that reflect the developments and innovations of that time and the amazing changes that Kalgoorlie experienced at the turn of the 20th century.

• Dwyer, J. J. (John Joseph), 1869-1928
• Photographers — Western Australia — Biography

First edition.

• 199 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 26 x 32 cm.

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