Wide Horizons talk at museum

HISTORY: A panoramic image of the opening of the Blue Baths 1908. PHOTO/ALFRED CUTLER ROTORUA MUSEUM COLLECTION, SUPPLIED

FORMER Rotorua Museum guide Ann Somerville will give a short talk of early Rotorua photographs included in a recent exhibition - Wide Horizons - held at the museum.

Well known buildings and landmarks of Rotorua are shown in the panoramic black and white photographs taken between 1885 and the early 1920s.

The images, part of the Rotorua Museum Photographic Collection, depict dusty street scenes, finely attired residents, historic landmarks and buildings, and events happening in Rotorua during the Victoria and Edwardian era.

The opening of the Blue Baths in 1908, and a valuable image of Lake Rotomahana and the Pink and White Terraces, taken a year before the Tarawera Eruption, are among the collection.

The use of panoramic photography was a modern day advancement, similar to using drones to take airborne shots now, and a popular way of documenting life in the early 20th century, Ms Somerville said. "The photographs are highly interesting and show so much detail."

The photos capture a period of the city's history to give a valuable recollection of life more than 100 years ago.

"It's a treasure trove of history," she said.

Among the photographers featured are the Burton brothers who visited Rotorua frequently.