The Coathanger is Ninety

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, nicknamed the Coathanger, is an icon of Australia, spanning the harbour to link the central business district to the North Shore. It is frequently photographed with the nearby Sydney Opera house to create a view that is recognised by almost anyone worldwide. Construction began in 1928 and finished in 1932 and provided a lot of jobs during the Depression.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, with the Opera House in the background.

The final cost of 6.5 million Australian dollars wasn't paid off until 1988. Many of the most well known images of the construction in progress were taken by Henri Mallard, a photographer born in Australia to French parents. He was educated at home and as a consequence spoke strongly accented English. As manager of Kodak in Australia he was able to influence and support the careers of other photographers who also became well known, such as Frank Hurley, who he recommended for the Mawson Antarctic expedition.