รายละเอียด : SIAM Through the Lens of John Thomson 1865-66 Including Angkor and Coastal China

SIAM Through the Lens of John Thomson 1865-66 Including Angkor and Coastal China

Legendary photographer and travel writer John Thomson (1837-1921) set off for Asia in 1862 and over the next ten years he undertook numerous journeys photographing countries in Asia including Siam, Cambodia, Vietnam and many areas in China. The photographs of these journeys form one of the most extensive records of any region taken in the 19th century. The range, depth and aesthetic quality of John Thomson's photographic vision mark him out as one of the most important travel photographers.

Thomson arrived in Siam in the autumn of 1865 ot discover a land more glamorous and colourful than any he had previously seen. With the help of the British Consul in Bangkok, Thomson was able to gain an audience with King ongkut who granted him permisson to some formal portraits of the king, his royal family and chief ministers. Chulalongkorn, as well as photographing the royal barge and a major funeral. Thomson stayed on in Bangkok for several months and photographed many aspects of the city, river scenes, its surrounding countryside and people.

Having read a number of accounts of the Combodian jungle and the amazing Angkor Wat ruins, Thomson a letter from King Mongkut to facilitate his passage the first photographer to document Angkor wat. These photographs form a unique archive of images documenting 19th century Asian landscapes, architecture, people and customs. The collection of over 600 glass plates travelled back with Thomson to Britain in 1872 and today it is housed in the Wellcome Library, London.

สารบัญ : SIAM Through the Lens of John Thomson 1865-66 Including Angkor and Coastal China

• Introductory essays Photography in Siam - The Crucial Years (1861-66)
• Portraits : Royalty and Commoners
• Ceremonies
• Views of Bangkok & Beyond
• Cambodia
• Coastal China
• Addendum