Surf History
Did somebody say 'Mark Richards'?
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 8 February, 2010 : - - Newcastle -- Rarely seen photographic images depicting the heart and soul of Newcastle’s surf culture during the past six decades are set to roll into Newcastle Region Library’s Lovett Gallery as part of Surfest's 25th anniversary celebrations.
Born-and-bred Novocastrian and surfboard master shaper Sam Egan will ceremoniously “hand-over” more than 100 photos - documenting the region’s longstanding love affair with surfing and surf culture - to Newcastle’s Lord Mayor John Tate at the Surfin’ Newey 1956-2009 exhibition opening on Friday February 12 at 5.30pm.
The world-renowned shaper and father of Luke Egan - who finished second in the world title race in 2000 - started surfing on toothpicks in his hometown in the 1950s before establishing his own surfboard-shaping business in 1962. Sorting through the photos with wife Margaret has been an emotional roller-coaster for the 68-year-old design innovator.
“There’s a lot of memories here, but the photos of Jimmy Newburn and Paul O’Malley shaking hands after Jimmy won the Matara contest shows two of my very good friends who we’ve lost in the past few years.”
“That photo just captures genuine sportsmanship,” Mr Egan said. Other photos in the exhibition document changes in fashion and environment. Margaret Egan says one of her favourite photos depicts a group of surfers in a Catherine Hill Bay car park in the 1960s. “It captures a moment in time that brings back so many memories,” Mrs Egan said.
Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate says it is well known that surfing and surf culture have been strong contributors to the region’s cultural, social and economic landscape. "Newcastle is known the world over for its pristine beaches and its great surf breaks.
"I am both pleased and proud that this photographic exhibition in the Newcastle Region Library will highlight some of the great surfing action that locals and visitors have grown to love about our city and surrounds.
"Surfing is an important part of tourism in Newcastle and Surfin' Newey is a great example of how sport and the arts can combine spectacularly and I urge people to get along to see it," Councillor Tate said.
Australia’s most crowned male world surfing champion, Novocastrian Mark Richards, will launch Surfin’ Newey 1956-2009. The four-time world champion says the photographs provide viewers with the opportunity to reflect on past times and past friendships.
“Some of the board designs from the earlier times, as well as the fashions and the surfing styles, remind us all that surfing and surf culture is fluid, while the thrill of riding waves with friends remains largely unchanged," Mr Richards said.
The photos to be handed over have been donated from numerous private collections and will be stored by the Newcastle Region Library for access by future researchers.
The exhibition will feature large photos taken during past Surfest events by local award-winning photographer Richard Bartlett.
WHAT: Surfin’ Newey 1956-2009
WHERE: Lovett Gallery
WHEN: Friday 12 February - Saturday 13 March 2009
OPENING: Friday 12 February 5.30pm
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Paul Scott
Surf History - Surfersvillage
