AS the home of the Max Harris Collection, the Ballaarat Mechanics\u2019 Institute is encouraging more residents and businesses to engage with the photographs in their care.<\/p>\n
The BMI\u2019s Sam McColl said the Collection of thousands of historical images, dates to the early-settlement period of Ballarat, until modern times.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe collection was purchased by David and Jenny Haymes and donated to the BMI for us to look after as caretakers. It was previously owned by Max Harris,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have photos of Sturt Street before there were many buildings, early airplanes, to old Begonia Festivals. It\u2019s a very valuable collection and something we want more people to know about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prints, DVDs and postcards are available at the BMI\u2019s online store, and soon there will also be a range of 90-by-60-centimetre jigsaws, which could be then framed and hung.<\/p>\n
The BMI is currently working to market the collection to local enterprises, who could present a photograph, or a few, on their premises.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey might like to put a large print on their wall to showcase the building they work in or lease,\u201d Mr McColl said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the moment, we\u2019re identifying local businesses that might take value in some of these photos.<\/p>\n
\u201cPhotos of our collection can be seen on the wall at Bakery Hill McDonalds, at IGA Pleasant Park, and there is now a massive colour print of the old Bridge Street service station on the wall of the Indian Motorcycle shop on Main Road.\u201d<\/p>\n