This is another story of a journey to the East in the late 19th century. John Thomson, a Scotish photographer, spent his golden ages in Asia, mainly Cambordia and China to photograph his great works of photos during his time...He initially set up his studio in Singapore in 1862 for his photography journey to India, Ceylon and the nearby regions in Southeast Asia. He then focused his work on photographing the King of Siam and the people living in the nation when he relocated to Thailand. He became the first photographer to film the Angkor.
He moved to Hong Kong in 1868 to execute his project to film in China. He routed from Hong Kong, through Canton to Nanjing and Peking, and he spent time in the remote villages to catch the moment of life of the local residents.
At his times, he used model of box camera with 12"x16" large wet-plate, and powershot at his age was not simply a click. Though, his passion to the local culture and the people enabled his achievement to make precious photos of China during the time. He actually spent around 4 years in China.
With his several works of snapshot in Hong Kong and the Canton area, we can shape the langscape of the Happy Valley or the edge of Hong Kong Island 1.5 century ago when it started its period of colony-ship. An eyeview from a foreigner to the traditional and closed Canton.
After the death of the photographer, a peak at Mount Kilimanjaro has been renamed Point Thomson to tribute his visionary journey in the world.
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What a coincidence!! Just notice that there is an exhibition at the HK Museum of History showcasing works of the British painter George Chinnery (Impressions of the East: The Art of George Chinnery). Well, I see this another artform that has portrayed the "impression" of the East by the West. Go and check it out!! Pity that I would have to miss the show...
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