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The gear belonging to acclaimed Tasmanian wilderness photographer Peter Dombrovskis is among the belongings reported stolen during a recent wave of thefts in Hobart’s southern districts.
One of Dombrovskis’s most celebrated images, Morning Mist, Rock Island Bend, Franklin River, was utilized in the successful effort to prevent the river’s flooding for a hydro-electric project in the 1980s.
Peter Dombrovskis has been characterized as “a person of strong conviction who dedicated his life to safeguarding the Tasmanian wilderness.” (ABC News)
Dombrovskis passed away in 1996, yet his influence endures through his images.
His photographs have been featured in numerous publications, among them Journeys into the Wild, released in 2017.
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Tasmanian photographer Nick Monk shared images on social platforms of the equipment reported missing from the Dombrovskis residence between December 23 and New Year’s Day.
“Regrettably, one of those pieces was a camera (along with lenses) that Peter utilized in the earlier stages of his career to capture images for his calendars.
“It is not the camera he employed for most of his later projects, but it holds substantial sentimental value for his family, and I would assert it has similar significance to the photographic and broader Tasmanian community,” Mr. Monk remarked.
“It is improbable that those responsible will understand its sentimental significance to the Dombrovskis family and the state of Tasmania.”
The Rolleiflex SL66 camera and lenses employed by Tasmanian wilderness photographer Peter Dombrovskis early in his profession. These items have been reported missing from the Dombrovskis family home. (Supplied: Dombrovskis family/Facebook)
A 50mm Zeiss Distagon lens reported as taken from the Dombrovksis family residence over the Christmas-New Year interval. (Supplied: Dombrovskis family/Facebook)
‘Colossal sense of infringement’
Seasoned conservationist and writer Geoff Law stated that Dombrovskis made a noteworthy impact on Tasmania via his photographic work.
“There will be an enormous sense of violation that Peter Dombrovskis’s family must be feeling at this moment,” Mr. Law expressed.
“Not only having endured the break-in but also having lost such vital pieces of equipment that span many decades,” Mr. Law commented.
“[The items] were integral to Peter Dombrovsksis’s creative process and the crafting of his work.”
for Tasmania, a sense of what Tasmania represents, an understanding of this stunning wilderness, and the manner in which that was illustrated through photography.”
One of Peter Dombrovskis’s photographs capturing the Mount Anne wilderness, located in Tasmania’s south-west. (Provided by Liz Dombrovskis)
“Peter Dombrovskis is broadly acknowledged as Tasmania’s premier wilderness photographer,” stated Mr. Law.
“He showcased visuals of Tasmania’s south-west wilderness, including Cradle Mountain, the Walls of Jerusalem, and other breathtaking yet at that time largely unrecognized wilderness locations to both an Australian and global audience.
“Among the methods he employed was large format photography, which captured immense detail and could be expanded to a substantial size, allowing viewers to genuinely appreciate the intricate splendor of these mountains, forests, highland lakes, and magnificent coastline that the Tasmanian wilderness presents.
A myrtle tree, captured by Peter Dombrovskis at Mount Anne. (Provided by Liz Dombrovskis)
Mr. Law, who also played a crucial role in the initiative to safeguard the Franklin River, stated that Dombrovskis made a “vital contribution” to the campaign.
“He navigated the Franklin three times solo, capturing imagery of locations such as the Great Ravine or Rock Island Bend, which turned into icons of the movement to protect Tasmania’s Franklin River.
“Thus, his work, particularly his large format photography, was fundamental in revealing the beauty and vulnerability of Tasmania’s wilderness to a global audience and in ensuring it was placed on the World Heritage list, which was crucial for the area’s protection against proposed dams that could have flooded those gorges.
“Peter was always an exceptionally gentle individual but possessed a strong conviction, dedicating his life to the conservation of the Tasmanian wilderness and doing so utilizing the essential medium of large format photography, for which these cameras were an obviously critical component.”
Peter Dombrovskis played a crucial role in “shaping a sense of what Tasmania is for Tasmania,” according to Geoff Law. (ABC News)
Authorities probing a ‘series’ of thefts
In a public announcement, Tasmania Police stated they were “investigating a number of substantial residential and shed burglaries during the Christmas season in the South Hobart, Fern Tree, and Dynnyrne regions.”
“Items stolen in these thefts encompass jewelry, musical instruments and sound gear, laptops, chainsaws, and tools, as well as photography gear.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the authorities at 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or via crimestopperstas.com.au.
In his social media update, Mr. Monk also urged individuals in possession of items from the Dombrovskis residence to find a secure way to return them to a police station.
“This represents a significant piece of Tasmanian heritage.”
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