John Thomson

Title: Street Life in London

Artist: John Thomson

Medium:

Year: 1877/78

Give a brief description of the movement, photographer, or term you researched. How are they significant to the history of photography (50-75 words)?

British photographer John Thomson was one of the first to photograph a few different people, places, and things around the world in the 19th century. A few things he was able to be the first to take pictures were some of the natives around Singapore, the Ancient city of Angkor and its jungle-clad temples, and the King of Siam. There wasn't much that he didn't photograph. He was able to capture a picture of the common taking of tea in Hong Kong. He photographed villagers as well as important rulers, landscapes, city streets, machine guns, brides, and the list continues! For about ten years he set up base in Singapore, where is where he did much of his photography. Thomson returned to Britain with his photographs and published them and lectured for a year. His camera and lectures brought the Far East to life for Britain. It was a world unlike anything they had ever known. In 1870, Thomson made a trip to Foochow, a port on the river min. He had made a huge pictorial record of the landscape, architecture and people in the area. Using these photos, he was able to publish a limited edition book called "Foochow and the River Min" in 1873. Forty-six copies have been believed to be printed.

Write a short personal reaction to the movement, photographer or term you researched. What is interesting or not interesting about the work (50 – 75 words).

What's interesting to me about his work is that he was able to have such a huge part in so many different things in the world of photography. There's very little now-a-days that a photographer can say that they were the first to be a part of. At least, I think so.. I also found out that there was an auction on his book "Foochow and the River Min." The book was only expected to bring in about $50,000 to $70,000; but instead, sold for $180,000. That's a lot of money for a book..

Name (please only include if it is ok to publish on blog): I don't want my name published on the blog. Thanks. :]