Through the lens with love

AN exhibition now showing at the Bendigo Historical Society’s community museum and research centre, History House in MacKenzie Street, provides a snapshot of life in Bendigo through the eyes of one of the city’s most prolific photographers.

Long-departed tailor and amateur photographer Allan Doney (1900-1987) came to earn a reputation as having a particular nous for capturing everyday people – children at the fairgrounds, commuters in Pall Mall and shoppers in Bendigo’s historic arcades.

The exhibition – Bendigo with Love – showcases a selection from over 13,000 negatives taken by Doney that form part of the Historical Society’s collection.

Known as a quiet, reserved man with fastidious attention to detail – and a modest sense of fun – he moved to Bendigo in the late 1940s and established his tailoring business, though his real passion was photographing Bendigo and its people.

Doney’s talent and dedication to his craft became evident, with his eye for compelling compositions, atmospheric lighting conditions, texture and contrast demonstrating a genuine feel for the elements and principles of design.

The Historical Society’s president Euan McGillivray encouraged everyone to experience the exhibition themselves.

“Bendigo locals, visitors, lovers of street photography and 20th century history alike will all find joy and curiosity in the time capsule presented in Bendigo with Love,” he said.

The ripping retrospective continues until Saturday 8 August at History House, 11 MacKenzie Street.

Entry is free, however donations will be gratefully accepted.

History House is open to the public every Thursday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm.