From Faculty of Medicine Online Museum and Archive
In 1852, John Smith was appointed Foundation Professor of Chemistry and Experimental Physics at the University of Sydney, the first Professor of Chemistry in Australia. Smith was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in 1856 and became a Fellow of Senate in 1861. The University Archives hold a splendid collection of historic photographs of the University and Sydney surrounds taken between 1855 and 1880 by Smith. He was an exceptionally talented amateur photographer, one of the first in this country, and his photographs have historical significance in the development of the visual arts in Australia.
These are a selection of photographs that have been restored. Many more can be viewed in our University Archives.
Click on each image to view it full screen size or commence a slideshow. Captions will disply with full size image.
![Shows present Jeffrey and Beulah Street Wharf areas in foreground., n. d., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Sydney: View of the Observatory from the North Shore. (Kirribilli).](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3480&imagex=128&imagey=128) Sydney: View of the Observatory from the North Shore. (Kirribilli). | ![Sydney: View of the Observatory from the North Shore. (Kirribilli)., n. d., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Sydney: View of the Observatory from the North Shore. (Kirribilli).](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3479&imagex=128&imagey=128) Sydney: View of the Observatory from the North Shore. (Kirribilli). | ![Sydney: Harbour's edge; North Shore. (Kirribilli)., n. d., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Sydney: Harbour's edge; North Shore. (Kirribilli).](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3481&imagex=128&imagey=128) Sydney: Harbour's edge; North Shore. (Kirribilli). | ![Sydney: Bushland at Harbour's edge., n. d., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Sydney: Bushland at Harbour's edge.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3482&imagex=128&imagey=128) Sydney: Bushland at Harbour's edge. | ![Quiberee; Robert Gilfillan's House on the North Shore. (Lavender Bay)., n. d., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Quiberee; Robert Gilfillan's House on the North Shore. (Lavender Bay).](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3483&imagex=128&imagey=128) Quiberee; Robert Gilfillan's House on the North Shore. (Lavender Bay). | ![Man seated on rocks at water's edge. Original negative inscribed by John Smith 23/11/59., 1859, John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Sydney: possibly Clontarf.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3484&imagex=128&imagey=128) Sydney: possibly Clontarf. |
![Group of people near rocks. Original negative inscibed by John Smith 23/11/59., 1859, John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Sydney: possibly Clontarf.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3485&imagex=128&imagey=128) Sydney: possibly Clontarf. | ![Group of people picnicking near overhanging rock; edge of water., n. d., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Sydney: possibly Lane Cove River.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3486&imagex=128&imagey=128) Sydney: possibly Lane Cove River. | ![Professor John Smith with companions by creek edge., n. d., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Sydney: possibly Lane Cove River.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3487&imagex=128&imagey=128) Sydney: possibly Lane Cove River. | ![This has been identified as 'Northfield Cottage' at Kurrajong, but it may be the Reverend James Cameron's residence, Lochiel., n. d., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Blue Mountains: Group of four people outside weatherboard cottage.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3488&imagex=128&imagey=128) Blue Mountains: Group of four people outside weatherboard cottage. | ![Unknown man in checked coat seated on a chair., n. d., Half stereo negative., 8.2 x 6.8cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Unknown man in checked coat seated on chair.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3466&imagex=128&imagey=128) Unknown man in checked coat seated on chair. | ![Sydney: Governor Bourke's statue with scaffolding., n. d., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Sydney: Governor Bourke's statue with scaffolding.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3477&imagex=128&imagey=128) Sydney: Governor Bourke's statue with scaffolding. |
![Sydney: Statue of Prince Albert, n. d., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Sydney: Statue of Prince Albert](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3478&imagex=128&imagey=128) Sydney: Statue of Prince Albert | ![Open doorway south side of the Great Hall in eastern wall of building. Smith (probably) stands to left of doorway; apparently timing the exposure., 1859, Wet collodian plate. Stereo negative., 7.5 x 16.5cm. 7.1 x 7.8cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney University under construction, doorway of Great Hall.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3454&imagex=128&imagey=128) University under construction, doorway of Great Hall. | ![Doorway; eastern wall of building. Three men examining pieces of cast iron; apparently to be used in construction. One source suggests the man on the right is Edmund Blacket., 1859, Wet collodian plate. Stereo negative., 7.5 x 16.5cm. 7.1 x 7.8cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney University under construction, doorway of Great Hall.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3455&imagex=128&imagey=128) University under construction, doorway of Great Hall. | ![Man in top hat; (probably Smith) stands at left; apparently timing the exposure; and behind him another man; possibly a student., 1859, Wet collodian plate. Stereo negative., 7.5 x 16.5cm. 7.1 x 7.8cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney University under construction, stoneworker in front of the window of main building.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3456&imagex=128&imagey=128) University under construction, stoneworker in front of the window of main building. | ![Gargoyles in several stages of completion in foreground; with stonemason apparently carving figure of bird. To his right is another man in top hat and others in background., 1859, Wet collodian plate. Stereo negative., 7.5 x 16.5cm. 7.1 x 7.8cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney University under construction, carving the gargoyles.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3457&imagex=128&imagey=128) University under construction, carving the gargoyles. | ![John Smith timing exposure while leaning against a ladder (Hudson and Son - builder), north doorway from Science Road., 1859, Stereo dry plate negative, glass., 162 x 83mm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney University under construction, John Smith timing exposure.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3460&imagex=128&imagey=128) University under construction, John Smith timing exposure. |
![Smith (extreme right) timing exposure; on his right Robert Hunt (?) and two builders. Blocks and gargoyles in foreground., 1859, Wet collodian plate. Stereo negative., 7.5 x 16.5cm. 7.1 x 7.8cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney University under construction, builders and observers.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3458&imagex=128&imagey=128) University under construction, builders and observers. | ![Dr Woolley's apartment (later the Registrar's rooms) in the southern wing of the Quadrangle. Likely Woolley's daughter (?) standing behind table in front of mirror., Wet collodian plate. Stereo negative., 7.5 x 16.5cm. 7.1 x 7.8cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Professor Woolley's residence, interior, woman with statues.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3459&imagex=128&imagey=128) Professor Woolley's residence, interior, woman with statues. | ![Tower has been completed. Shows statue known as the Angel of Knowledge on top of Great Hall (it was removed in 1874)., 1862, Stereo dry plate negative, glass., 170 x 82mm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney University of Sydney, view toward Great hall and north range from east.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3461&imagex=128&imagey=128) University of Sydney, view toward Great hall and north range from east. | ![View of Main Buildings from south east, tower completed., 1862, Stereo dry plate negative, glass., 170 x 82mm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney University of Sydney, view of Main Buildings from south east.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3462&imagex=128&imagey=128) University of Sydney, view of Main Buildings from south east. | ![Clock Tower and centre section of Main Buildings from northwest. Tower completed., 1862, Stereo dry plate negative, glass., 170 x 82mm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney University of Sydney, Clock Tower and centre section of Main Buildings from northwest.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3463&imagex=128&imagey=128) University of Sydney, Clock Tower and centre section of Main Buildings from northwest. | ![View of the Main Buildings from Parramatta Road, includes part of the road. Tower completed., 1862, Stereo dry plate negative, glass., 171 x 83mm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney University of Sydney, view of the Main Buildings from Parramatta Road.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3464&imagex=128&imagey=128) University of Sydney, view of the Main Buildings from Parramatta Road. |
![Smith is apparently examining specimens of a fleece., n. d., Half stereo negative., 8.2 x 6.8cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Self-portrait, Professor John Smith in a laboratory.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3465&imagex=128&imagey=128) Self-portrait, Professor John Smith in a laboratory. | ![Probably a family of three generations on verandah of house with shuttered french windows., n. d., Stereo negative, wet plate, varnished., 7.3 x 16.5cm. 7.0 x 7.0cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Group of ten people on verandah.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3467&imagex=128&imagey=128) Group of ten people on verandah. | ![Possibly around No. 183 macquarie Street; close to present Bent Street. Smith lodged at No. 89. Shows man and woman who have moved during the exposure so creating a 'ghost image' outside the house. On the far left is the Public Library - John Smith was well placed to visit this and St Stephen's Presbyterian Church., 1860, Stereo negative. Masked with paper., 8.3 x 17.1cm. 7.5 x 7.0cm with 1.1cm sep., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Terraces in Macquarie Street, close to Professor Smith's lodgings.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3468&imagex=128&imagey=128) Terraces in Macquarie Street, close to Professor Smith's lodgings. | ![Group of four people on verandah of Macquarie Street terrace., Late 1850s., Wet plate stereo negatives., 7.5 x 16.5cm. 8.0 x 7.3cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney On verandah of Macquarie Street terrace, close to Professor Smith's lodgings.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3469&imagex=128&imagey=128) On verandah of Macquarie Street terrace, close to Professor Smith's lodgings. | ![Four women and man seated on verandah at western corner; Hunters Hill in background. Cast iron furniture. There is a marked difference in the posture and facial expressions of the subjects in each owing perhaps to the length of time between different exposures., Mid 1850s., Wet plate, varnished but very thinly. Stereo negatives., 8.2 x 17.2cm. 8.0 x 7.5cm. Borders 1.0cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney William Wright and friends at Drummoyne Park. Group on verandah.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3470&imagex=128&imagey=128) William Wright and friends at Drummoyne Park. Group on verandah. | ![View from garden looking toward north east corner of house. Young trees in barely developed garden; woman on verandah; possibly the same as in 73 to right of group., Mid 1850s., Wet plate, varnished but very thinly. Stereo negatives., 8.2 x 17.2cm. 8.0 x 7.5cm. Borders 1.0cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney William Wright and friends at Drummoyne Park, in garden.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3471&imagex=128&imagey=128) William Wright and friends at Drummoyne Park, in garden. |
![Northeast corner of house showing wire pergola frame. Three men are nearby., Mid 1850s., Stereo negatives., 8.2 x 17.0cm. 7.5 x 6.8cm with 1.2cm sep, approx 1.0cm border., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney William Wright and friends at Drummoyne Park, Drummoyne House with pergola.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3473&imagex=128&imagey=128) William Wright and friends at Drummoyne Park, Drummoyne House with pergola. | ![Part of garden at some distance from house. Shows garden house; several men seated nearby; many eucalypt saplings., Mid 1850s., Stereo negatives., 8.2 x 17.0cm. 7.5 x 6.8cm with 1.2cm sep, approx 1.0cm border., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney William Wright and friends at Drummoyne Park. Northwest corner of garden, Drummoyne House.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3474&imagex=128&imagey=128) William Wright and friends at Drummoyne Park. Northwest corner of garden, Drummoyne House. | ![Likely the residence of Reverend Thoman Reiby, 'Entally House.' Reiby was the grandson of Mary Reiby, archdeacon and later Premier of Tasmania, 1876-77. May have been among stereographs shown by Smith at the Conversazione of the Philosophical Society of NSW in December, 1859., 1857-8., Stereographic glass plate negatives., 8.2 x 17.3cm. 7.7 x 7.5cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Nurse with baby, 'Entally House', Hadspen near Launceston.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3476&imagex=128&imagey=128) Nurse with baby, 'Entally House', Hadspen near Launceston. | ![North east corner group with telescope on verandah. Elderly woman with parasol; seated; woman in foreground (appears perhaps in 71); man leaning on verandah post (possibly Robert Hunt). Telescope in background; two other women nearby., Mid 1850s., Wet plate, varnished but very thinly. Stereo negatives., 8.2 x 17.2cm. 8.0 x 7.5cm. Borders 1.0cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney William Wright and friends at Drummoyne Park, on verandah of Drummoyne House.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3472&imagex=128&imagey=128) William Wright and friends at Drummoyne Park, on verandah of Drummoyne House. | ![Rear of Drummoyne House. View of rear of house from a height; possibly taken from a tower or windmill (or a ladder). Shows a stone wall running along western side. Trees in garden are well grown and the house is complete. The Parramatta River is in the background. One of three negatives (Image 83-85) not originally part of the Smith Collection, but donated later. They are of larger format and may be by Smith using another camera or by another photographer altogether, possibly Judge Ernest Brougham Docker, who used a similar format and was an associate of Smith., 1860s., Stereo negatives, wet plates, varnished., 11.2 x 18.0cm. 10.6 x 8.4cm., John Smith., Reproduction rights, University of Sydney Drummoyne House in the 1860s.](/medicine/museum/mwmuseum/extensions/MediaBank/MediaBankShow.php?mid=http://smp.sydney.edu.au/mediabank/|medmediabank|FMMUS3475&imagex=128&imagey=128) Drummoyne House in the 1860s. |