Lumirra Collective
The Bendigo Taxi-cab & Motor Garage, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
The Bendigo Taxi-cab & Motor Garage, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
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Captured at the corner of High and Short Streets in Bendigo around 1920, this photograph documents a pivotal moment in Bendigo's history, when the motor car was beginning to reshape everyday life. Standing proudly beside his vehicle is a driver infront of the "Bendigo Taxi-Cab and Motor Garage", Catling & Roberts, proprietors. At a time when many residents still relied on horses and carts, motor vehicles represented speed, modernity and a glimpse into the future.
The site had already become an important part of Bendigo's growing automotive industry. Newspaper reports show that a taxi-cab company began operating from the premises in 1911, providing one of the city's earliest organised motor transport services. The business later expanded into a full service motor garage, offering vehicle hire, repairs, body building, painting, storage and mechanical work.
Advertisements of the era proudly promoted the garage as operating day and night, supplying motorists with everything from tyres and accessories to some of the latest American motor cars. However, the company's history was not without controversy. In 1912, local auctioneer J.H. Leinhop successfully sued the Bendigo Taxi-Cab and Motor Garage Company after discovering that employees had allegedly been using his privately stored motor car without permission. The court awarded $5 of damages against the company, providing a rare glimpse into the challenges and growing pains of the early motor industry.
Looking closely at the photograph, it is easy to imagine the scene that once unfolded here. The driver may have been waiting for a fare, preparing for a touring trip through central Victoria or delivering passengers arriving in Bendigo by train. For many locals, a ride in a motor taxi would have been a rare and exciting experience. The streets were quieter, the roads rougher, and every passing motor car attracted attention.
The garage remained a fixture of Bendigo's motor trade for decades. In 1938, newspaper reports recorded a small petrol explosion at the premises, a reminder of the hazards associated with the early automotive industry. Fortunately, the damage was minor and the business continued operating.
More than a century later, this image survives as a remarkable record of Bendigo's transition into the motor age. What appears at first glance to be a simple portrait of a man and his car is, in reality, a snapshot of a changing world one where new technology, local enterprise and the excitement of modern transport were transforming regional Victoria forever.
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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