The "Rocks" Sydney 1886-1890 Vintage Print

A Vision of a Remade Sydney | Historic Architectural Plan Reproduction

This captivating historical print, titled “The ‘Rocks’ Remodelled with a City Railway and New George Street North,” is a rare illustration of Sydney’s late 19th-century ambitions, as proposed by renowned engineer Norman Selfe, M.I.C.E. Produced between 1886 and 1890, the print depicts a grand reimagining of The Rocks district, complete with a city railway extension and a newly planned George Street North—an early and visionary attempt to modernise the harbour city.

Drawn in an era of bold urban planning, this piece captures not just a map, but a moment in the imagination of Sydney’s transformation.

Historical Context & Significance

• Illustrator: Norman Selfe, M.I.C.E., a pioneer of Sydney’s urban infrastructure

• Subject: Proposed remodelling of The Rocks and a city railway extension

• Era: 1886–1890, during a period of rapid industrial growth and modernisation in New South Wales

• Focus: George Street North realignment and The Rocks redevelopment plan

This is more than a map—it's a window into a Sydney that might have been.

Available Formats & Materials

Canvas Hanging Option

Laminated & Canvas versions can be supplied with timber hang rails (top and bottom), lacquered in a natural wood finish and fitted with a hanging cord—perfect for effortless, elegant wall display.

⏳ Please allow up to 10 working days for framed canvas versions, as these are custom-fitted by our framer.

📐 Available Sizes

Choose your preferred size and finish using the dropdown menu above.

✅ Why This Piece?

Whether you're a collector of historical prints, a lover of Sydney’s urban history, or looking to add a meaningful visual narrative to your wall, this extraordinary rendering of The Rocks and the Norman Selfe railway proposal offers timeless intrigue and character.