Piece of WA goldfields History

Several years ago I purchased at auction two large ,original black and white photographs of the Golden eagle nugget and another in the set working on the claim at Larkinville and dated 15/1/1931.
I have not seen these photographs in any media before and the detail is great and looking through a 10 power loupe you can see amazing detail that I'm sure could be copied and blown up to poster size.
My question is I'm not sure what to do with these early photos and they are an important part of Australian goldfields history and are getting to the age where they will soon start to deteriorate. I have kept them away from light and are looking to pass them on to the appropriate authority to be assessed and may well be the only remaining copies.
As they are an important part of WA history , I thought it best to go through some department in that state but I have no idea how to make contact, if someone can help out here it would be appreciated.
Regards Mark

Here is the contact info for WA Mines and Petroleum


Perth Offices


Mineral House


Ph: +61 8 9222 3333
Fax: +61 8 9222 3862

Mineral House
100 Plain Street
East Perth
Western Australia
6004

Best
Kudu

Hi MS,
I would contact your state library, they should sort you out
Regards Ron

Hi Mark,

The Eastern Goldfields Historical Society in Kalgoorlie has a large collection of Goldfields Historical photos. They also have the equipment to preserve and store all old photos and do make them available for reproduction to the general public. I`m sure they would really appreciate the said photos as the Golden Eagle and Larkinville are on their patch.

Their contact is history@kalgoorlie.com

Thier website is http://www.archivists.org.au/eastern-goldfields-historical-society-inc


Driller.

Thanks all for the reply's
I have made contact with the Historical Society in Kalgoorlie and I think that would be the best place for these old photo's to go.
I will get large copies made first for myself as they are impressive and will look good on the wall, one shows a working goldfield with tents around and miners working dryblowers ect and the other of the Golden eagle has so much detail you can see small holes in the nugget that is far better than what I have seen in other media of this much publised nugget
Regards Mark

Thanks Mark,


Driller.

Mark, a good choice you made and yes get your own large copies made first BUT make sure those copies are of as high of quality as possible done by the best professional.


As another side note of WA's history of interest--(more men of old who were tough as nails that we can respect and learn something from. I cannot believe what they both did, I would not have the guts to do that!)--
A famous WA prospector and another one born on WA's Murchison goldfield, who both where awarded the highest medal, Victoria Cross:
http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A140349b.htm

http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A140393b.htm

Good site Beer Beeper, Shows good old fashion hardship, determination, guts & Glory.
Not enough of that left in this country either!!

If anyone is planning on going over in the west and passing through Kalgoorlie, take the time to go through thier museum as well, it is well worth it.
Cheers

I emailed copies of the two photo's to the Historical Society in Kalgoorlie and they were very keen to have the originals , I have now posted them off to be part of their collection.
I had the pictures blown up for myself first and was very happy and the detail was so high you can even see the nails holding together the dryblowers in use by the miners,it was interesting to see the tools and setups used and gives a insight into the WA goldfields past.
You have to admire the guts and sheer determination these miners had to open up and explore new fields and today we have the luxury to follow in their footsteps with the comfort of modern vehicles and the best electronic detectors to find what they have missed.
Anyway I was impressed with this society and it's good to see the pictures go to a good home.
Mark

Good on ya mate! Well done.

Mark,

I have just been out to the Historical Society and had a look at photos you donated. You are right ,they are great photos.

A very thoughtful and generous donation and very much appreciated.

Cheers,

Driller

Hi Driller
I'm glad you like them and its much better for the Society to have them where others can see them too, rather than locked away.
Thanks for the contact.
Regards Mark

Photo's now in forum Gallery
Had to reduce size but at least they can be seen
Cheers Mark