Photographs of architecture, industry and culture

Max Dupain (1911–92) has produced some iconic images of Australia, and his photographs are often shown in art galleries. Less well-known is the fact that a large collection of his work is held by the National Archives.

Throughout his career, Dupain ran a commercial photography business, specialising in commissions for the Australian Government and large corporations. Frequently, his images were used to promote immigration, trade and investment.

Dupain worked for three main agencies: the Department of Information in the 1940s, the Australian Broadcasting Commission in the 1950s and 1960s, and the Department of Trade in the 1960s and 1970s. Their photographic archives are now in the Archives.

In 2007 the Archives created the touring exhibition, Max Dupain on Assignment. View the tour schedule or buy the catalogue from our online shop. A sample of photographs from the exhibition are showcased here. Click on an image to view the enlargement.

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    Art Gallery New South Wales, 1977
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    Beach cricket, Melbourne, 1947
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    Chemical plant, 1971
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    Hagley Farm School, Tasmania, 1946
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    An old country homestead, 1946
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    North Terrace, Adelaide, 1947
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    Sydney Opera House, 1969
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    Pianist Geoffrey Parsons, 1957
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    Children skiing, New South Wales, 1946
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    Store of steel bars, 1970
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    Violinist, Methodist Ladies' College, 1971
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    National Carillon, Canberra, 1970
Copyright National Archives of Australia 2013