The Yarra River can also be seen weaving its way across the scene. Ms Awcock said the library hoped to raise funds to digitise the work, enabling the original circular scene to be viewed with animated characters and scenery. The cyclorama was displayed in the Aquarium Annex of the Royal Exhibition Buildings from 1892 to 1918. Visitors viewed it in a circular room, while standing on a platform. Researchers believe a significant portion of the left side of the painting was lost when damaged by fire while in storage at the Exhibition Buildings in 1951.
Water damage sustained during the fire is visible on the left of the work.
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