item details
NameWaimangu Geyser
ProductionJames McDonald; photographer; 1900-1904; Rotorua
Classificationgelatin dry plate negatives, black-and-white negatives, landscapes
Materialsphotographic gelatin, silver, sheet glass, photographic plates
Materials Summaryblack and white gelatin glass negative
Techniquesblack-and-white photography
DimensionsImage: 124mm (width), 202mm (height)
Registration NumberC.025082
Credit linePurchased 2009
Overview
Depicts Waimangu Geyser erupting, a central column of black water with clouds of white steam at base, within a valley or crater. There are low hills in the foreground of the image, and a small building with a pointed roof at bottom centre.
The geyser became active in 1900 and was the world's highest ever recorded, regularly projecting spumes of water and rock 150 metres high, and occasionally reaching 460 metres. It became a popular tourist destination until its eruptions ceased in 1904.