Fitzroy Gardens, Hotham Walk

This postcard shows the Hotham Walk in the Fitzroy Gardens circa 1908. It is a view entirely recognisable today but with interesting differences.

The first is the presence of gaslights.  The first five were installed in the gardens in 1865 and were replaced by electricity around the turn of the 20th century.  This image must show them in their last years. 

Classical statues were once abundant in the gardens.  Here we have Apollino (Apollo as an adolescent) on the left, and on the right is Hebe, the goddess of youth. In the distance is Diana and the Stag. 

The cedar trees lining the path are in the prime of life at about 50 years old. The weeping willow tree at the end of the path has long gone, whether through old age or because of its invasive nature is unknown. 

The garden beds are well protected with low fences, and there are no seasonal plantings of colourful annuals as is the current practice.