Interviews Writing Conducted Neil Montagnana Wallace (1 results)

Oblong large format hardcover, 26 x 33 cm , 114 pages, illustrated, light general wear. 125 years ago, Australia did not have the network of roads and railways it does today, and shipping was fundamental to the development of our nation. Newcastle was one of the key ports in the system, rapidly growing into an industrial powerhouse. In 1886, as sail was replaced by steam, an enterprising man named George Henry Varley saw where the future lay and founded G.H. Varley, the ship repair company that today still proudly bears his name. He opened a small workshop at 93 King Street, Newcastle and hung out a shingle proudly proclaiming his skills as 'coppersmith, brass finisher, plumber, gasfitter'. Ship repair quickly became the backbone of his business. 125 years later, the business remains a privately-owned family business, proud of its place in the history of Newcastle.