Lumirra Collective
Giraffe, Melbourne, Australia
Giraffe, Melbourne, Australia
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Scanned from a fragile photographic negative dating to c. 1917, this image captures one of Melbourne Zoo’s earliest giraffes during a time when exotic animals were still seen as extraordinary wonders to the Australian public.
In 1913, Melbourne Zoo imported its very first pair of giraffes from Africa. A male, whose name has largely been lost to history and a female named Nellie. They arrived after an unimaginable journey across oceans into a city that had never seen creatures like them before. Towering above the crowds, they became symbols of curiosity, spectacle, and the distant worlds Australians could only dream about.
This particular photograph was carefully digitised from an original negative discovered more than a century later amongst a deteriorating archive. Dust covered, scratched, and slowly decaying, the negative had survived wars, generations and neglect before finally revealing its image once more through light.
Nellie would remain at the zoo until 1926, quietly becoming part of Melbourne’s memory during an era when the zoo itself was still young. In 1928, another pair arrived from Africa, Algernon and Pamela, followed shortly after by Andy in 1930. But despite the excitement these animals brought, tragedy often followed early zoo history. Many of the giraffes survived only a handful of years in captivity, their lives now preserved mostly through fading photographs and scattered newspaper records.
After Andy’s death in 1934, Melbourne would go without giraffes for almost three decades. For many children growing up during that time, the giraffes they once stared at in amazement became little more than stories told by parents and grandparents.
More than 100 years later, this fragile negative survives as a rare connection to that forgotten era of Melbourne history. A fleeting moment where a giraffe stood silently before the camera, unaware that long after both photographer and subject were gone, its image would still endure.
Now restored and preserved as a museum quality fine art print, this photograph allows a small piece of Melbourne’s past to live on once again.
Shipping
Shipping
Please note that any customs duties, taxes, or import fees associated with international shipments are the responsibility of the recipient. These charges are determined by your country’s regulations.
By placing an order, you acknowledge that it is your responsibility to be aware of any applicable customs fees, taxes, or import requirements in your country.
International shipments
Lumirra Collective is proudly Australia based, but we love shipping worldwide.
Please note: For customers located in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, shipping costs may be higher due to the size and fragile nature of our artworks. To ensure you receive an accurate shipping price, Lumirra Collective will provide a custom shipping quote prior to purchase. Please note that shipping quotes do not include any applicable taxes or duties.
As a small business, I aim to be as open and transparent as possible — I’ve worked to keep shipping rates as fair as I can while ensuring each piece is safely delivered.
An unframed option is available, which significantly reduces shipping costs.
Production & Dispatch Times
All works are printed to order, so please allow 3–5 business days for production. This allows each piece to be carefully printed, assembled, and quality checked before dispatch.
Estimated shipping times:
• Australia: 8–14 business days
• International: 8-14 business days
Delivery times may vary depending on location. You will receive tracking details once your order has been dispatched.
Shipping & Packaging
All artworks are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive safely.
Framed pieces are securely protected and shipped in boxed packaging to minimise movement and reduce the risk of damage during transit.
Unframed works are shipped flat packs or in protective tubes, depending on size. This method prevents bending, creasing, and damage during transit, and is the safest and most reliable way to ship artwork.
Each order is packed with care to ensure it reaches you in the best possible condition.
Thank you for your support — it truly means a lot.
Available Print & Frame Sizes
Available Print & Frame Sizes
Prints are produced in standard ISO sizes, ensuring consistent proportions and professional presentation.
The print size refers to the artwork and paper dimensions.
Each framed piece also includes a gallery mat board and frame, which increases the final outer dimensions.
Available Sizes
• A4
Artwork size: 29.7 × 21 cm
Framed outer size: 45.6 × 35.5 cm
• A3
Artwork size: 42 × 29.7 cm
Framed outer size: 53.8 × 43.6 cm
• A2
Artwork size: 59.4 × 42 cm
Framed outer size: 73 × 53 cm
• A1
Artwork size: 84.1 × 59.4 cm
Framed outer size: 103 × 73 cm
• A0
Artwork size: 119 × 84.1 cm
Available as print only
Print Quality & Archival Materials
Print Quality & Archival Materials
Every Lumirra Collective artwork is produced using genuine Epson UltraChrome PRO HDR archival inks, a premium 9 colour fine art printing system renowned for its extraordinary colour depth, rich blacks, and exceptional resistance to fading over time.
Each image is professionally produced in Melbourne using museum quality Giclée printing, a specialist fine art printing process celebrated for its remarkable detail, tonal depth, and archival longevity. This allows every restored historic photograph to retain its original atmosphere, texture, and character with stunning clarity.
Printed on luxurious premium fine art photographic paper, each artwork is carefully crafted for gallery style presentation with smooth tonal transitions, deep contrast, and refined detail. The result is a timeless archival fine art print designed to preserve these historic moments for generations to come.
Frame Materials & Construction
Frame Materials & Construction
All Lumirra Collective framed prints are made using premium solid timber frames crafted from sustainably sourced wood, available in Premium Oak natural, Matte White, or Matte Black.
Each framed artwork includes a custom gallery style mat board, 20mm solid timber moulding, 3mm MDF backing board, flip tab fittings, and a D ring or string hanging system, ready to display on arrival.
Frame specifications by size:
A1: 4 cm depth with 2mm shatter resistant acrylic glazing
A2: 3.5 cm depth with 2mm shatter resistant acrylic glazing
A3: 4 cm depth with 2mm clear glass
A4: 1.8 cm depth with 2mm clear glass
All artworks are produced in a specialised 16,000 square foot production facility in Melbourne, using advanced printing and framing technology. Each order is printed, framed, and assembled individually to ensure consistent quality and craftsmanship.
Authenticity of Historic Images
Authenticity of Historic Images
Many photographs offered by Lumirra Collective originate from historic negatives and photographic materials dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, including glass plate negatives and early film formats used during the development of photography.
Each negative is carefully digitised using high resolution archival scanning techniques, preserving the remarkable detail captured in the original photograph and bringing these historic images back to life for modern printing.
Due to the age of these materials, some images may contain light scratches, dust marks, or minor imperfections from the original negative. While every photograph is carefully restored and optimised, certain characteristics may remain as part of the image’s authentic historical narrative.
All artworks are printed in the highest possible quality and are supplied without the Lumirra Collective watermark, which appears online only for image protection.
Colours may vary slightly depending on screen settings, device displays, and lighting conditions, and minor differences between on-screen images and the final printed artwork may occur.
Returns & Refund Policy
Returns & Refund Policy
Each Lumirra Collective artwork is printed and framed to order, therefore we are unable to offer refunds or exchanges for change of mind purchases.
If your artwork arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photographs so we can arrange a replacement.
All artworks are carefully inspected and securely packaged using protective materials designed specifically for framed artwork and glass, helping ensure each piece arrives safely and in perfect condition.
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