The first photo, of John Webster, was generously provided by ex-speaker, Victor Zammit, from his website of pictures, where many more photos can be found. Victor also has a website about the afterlife: victorzammit.com
John Webster. Before the 1980s people came especially to listen to the speakers. John was one of the favourites.
Three more of John Webster, taken in May, 1971 by Philip Ulman.
The following five photographs were also generously provided by ex-speaker, Victor Zammit. Thank you, Victor.
The good Mr Armstrong tried for many years to save souls in the Domain.
Mr McKay talking about ‘Individual effort’. 1918.
This photograph was taken in 1938, one year before Hitler invaded Poland to begin World War II. Many Australians thought highly of Adolf Hitler in 1938 because he had transformed Germany’s economy. But this fellow, Egon Kisch, a Czech journalist, thought otherwise, and stood on his soapbox to warn us all. A year later he was proven right.
Sister Ada from the Salvation Army singing hymns for the sinners. Photo from the Sydney Morning Herald.
The photo below is of Victor Zammit himself. At one point Victor had two thousand listeners.
Victor Zammit attracted a younger audience.
The three photos below were generously provided by superb photographer, Greg Dickins, who took them in 1970. He is still photographing, and teaches photography at Photo Sydney.
The popular Sister Ada appears to be the Lady Gaga of the 1970s. (Photo by Greg Dickins.)
Speakers’ Corner was a place to be heard. A point of view mattered.
(Photo by Greg Dickins, 1970)
The photo below is of the poet, Denis Kevans, speaking in the Domain in the 1960’s. The photo appears with permission from his daughter, Sophia.
Poet Denis Kevans.
Trying to catch flies? About to be lynched? We will never know.
(Photo by Greg Dickins, 1970)
The photo below was taken in 2011, and was warmly given by photographer Melvyn Knipe, of Central Magazine. We are grateful to Melvyn and Central Magazine for their permission to use the photograph. To see some gorgeous photos visit Melvyn’s site mkphotographer.com
The photograph below might give an indication of what the outspoken Ross May spruiked. (Thanks to Victor Zammit for the photograph.) He spoke at Speakers’ Corner for many years, and riled one or two members of the Jewish community.
Helmut entertains the constabulary.
(Photo by Melvyn Knipe, mkphotography.com)
Helmut hasn’t always earned the favour of the police. A few months after this photo was taken an officer sent him on his way for releasing a few colourful words. See the video, Helmut’s complaint, for more details
This is Warren. For an explanation which will leave you no wiser, see the brief video below. (Photo Dec 2012)
It’s charming that Warren advocates anarchy, yet isn’t game to state the name of the organisation he is rebelling against.
A passer-by caught the Speakers’ Corner dog ‘borrowing’ a sandwich from the occupied Mr Bashful. Thank you to the passer-by who kindly sent the photo.
Armita Abdollahian took these two photos of Steve in July, 2016. Thank you, Armita.
Steve Maxwell, witnessing a ghost?
Here is another. What a difference colour and expression can make!
Steve Maxwell at Speakers’ Corner, Sydney.
We have a pretty good backdrop!
If the listeners have had enough, we generously provide an art gallery across the road.
Thank you to Jamie Honan for the photograph above.
The “mad” guy in the seventh picture up from the bottom reminds of Warwick Willett (aka Wally Wombat), who spoke from time to time in the mid- late 1970s. Does anyone recall this man (born August 1945)? He claimed to be the leader of the one member NATIONAL WOMBAT PARTY. Supposedly, a Vietnam War national serviceman, originally from Kempsey NSW
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