Motorised taxis have been whisking people hither and thither in Melbourne since the first one appeared on the roads in 1909, and everything you could possibly want to know about the popular transport has been gathered for a comprehensive exhibition at the City Gallery in Melbourne Town Hall. Curator Christine Eid is well-placed to conduct affairs as her dad was a Melbourne cabbie, giving her an unusual perspective on the driver-passenger dynamic!
As everyone knows, cabbies always have a story to tell, but it’s equally true that most passengers can think of a couple of memorable taxi journeys themselves. In the exhibition we get a look back at the evolution of taxis through photographs, see vintage equipment, learn about demonstrations that took place over the years when taxi drivers fell out with the authorities, and on a modern note there’s a 3D installation to enjoy too. But it’s the photography and graphic design direct from the sixties and seventies and dripping in luscious vats of retro that excite us the most. All this, and the fare is free of charge. Now that is an unusual ride.
Cover of Taxi Talk magazine, September 1972
Source: State Library of Victoria collection
Taxis on Bourke Street,
Melbourne, 1960s
Source: City of Melbourne,
Art and Heritage collection
Silver Top Taxi dome light, 1950s
Source: Kevin M Gange collection
George Trost
Call me a cabbie, 1972
Gold Star Publications
Source: Christine Eid collection
Collins and Swanston Streets,
Melbourne c.1955
Source: City of Melbourne,
Art and Heritage collection
Peter Atkins
Melway Project (edition 22), 2009
Acrylic on plywood
Source: City of Melbourne,
Art and Heritage collection
