Old Vintage Melbourne 1960-90: A City in Photographs
By WALKENS House of Film | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Product Reviews
Explore Melbourne's changing streets through two essential photography books—one revisits 1960-90, the other captures the city's northern suburbs today.
Quick answer
If you want a curated trip through Melbourne's recent past, Old Vintage Melbourne 1960-90 delivers; if you prefer a contemporary look at the city's northern suburbs, Warren Kirk's Northside is the better pick.
Why these two books complement each other
Old Vintage Melbourne 1960-90 focuses on a specific era of change, while Northside captures the present-day character of neighborhoods that are themselves evolving. Together they give you a before-and-after view of the same city—useful if you're researching urban development or simply enjoy comparing decades.
Both books are photo-led, so they work well as coffee-table additions or as reference material for street photographers looking at composition and subject matter.
What to consider before buying
Think about whether you want historical depth or contemporary observation. Old Vintage Melbourne 1960-90 is strictly archival, using photographs from 1960 to 1990. Northside is a modern project, shot by Warren Kirk in the northern suburbs, and it shows the area as it is now, with all its quirks and rapid changes.
Also consider the physical size and layout. Both are large-format photography books, so they take up shelf space. If you're short on room, decide whether you prefer a single era or a broader geographic sweep.
How to choose between them
- Choose Old Vintage Melbourne 1960-90 if: You're drawn to historical photography and want to see how Melbourne looked between 1960 and 1990, including the suburbs. Check the publication date to confirm the coverage period matches your interest.
- Choose Warren Kirk's Northside if: You prefer contemporary street photography that documents the current character of Melbourne's northern suburbs, from West Brunswick to Reservoir. Look at sample images to see if Kirk's style resonates with your taste.
- Buy both if: You're building a visual history of Melbourne and want to compare the past with the present, or if you're a photographer seeking inspiration from different eras. Consider shelf space and budget before committing to both.
Book facts at a glance
- Old Vintage Melbourne 1960-90 Edition: This sequel to the original 'Old Vintage Melbourne' collects photographs taken between 1960 and 1990, showing a time that is familiar yet different, as significant changes began to affect the city and its suburbs. If you're interested in how Melbourne transformed during those decades, this book gives you a visual record of that pivotal period.
Old Vintage Melbourne 1960-90 Edition - Warren Kirk - Northside: Warren Kirk's Northside turns his eye on the streets, buildings, and inhabitants of Melbourne's northern suburbs, which are as iconic as they are rapidly changing. For a contemporary look at the same city's evolving neighborhoods, this book offers a current snapshot that pairs well with the historical view.
Warren Kirk - Northside
Who should buy which
Best for
- History buffs and urban enthusiasts who want a curated look at Melbourne's 1960-90 era
- Photographers interested in how street scenes change over time
Not for
- Readers seeking a contemporary view of Melbourne's northern suburbs—choose Northside instead
- Those who prefer a single, continuous narrative rather than a photo collection
