Customhouse Square, Dunedin c. 1880-1900
Operated by Alfred & Walter Burton, Burton Brothers (est. 1866) was one of the country’s most prominent photography studios until the partnership ended in 1877. Walter went on to employ George Moodie and Thomas Muir before retiring in 1898. Moodie and Muir continued to operate the firm until it’s closure in 1916.
About Customhouse Square
Situated on the Dunedin waterfront, Customhouse Square sits at the heart of the city’s early maritime history. Once a bustling hub for trade and transport in the late 19th century, it was surrounded by warehouses, shipping offices, and merchants supplying the goldfields. Today, the area’s heritage façades remain a reminder of Dunedin’s prosperous port era, while nearby cafés and galleries give the precinct a new lease of life.
About the Viewfinder Series
Viewfinder reimagines historic photographs, aligning past and present to reveal how our landscapes evolve over time.
Featured Image
Customhouse Square, Dunedin, by Burton Brothers. Te Papa (C.011900)
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View more images from the project
Continue exploring the Viewfinder series through other towns, landscapes, and architectural landmarks by using the links below.
Each photograph in the collection pairs a century-old view with its modern counterpart, revealing both the constants and the changes that shape our landscape.
