This is the first exhibition devoted to the China images taken by Scottish photographer John Thomson (1837–1921).  Born in Edinburgh two years before the invention of the daguerreotype and the birth of photography, Thomson first travelled to Asia in 1862, and set up a professional photographic studio.  Fascinated by local cultures he returned in 1868 settling in Hong Kong.  Over the next four years he made extensive trips to Guangdong, Fujian, Beijing, China’s north-east and down the Yangtse River.  This exhibition is drawn from his time in these regions.

These were the early days of photography, when negatives were made on glass plates that had to be coated with emulsion before the exposure.  A cumbersome mass of equipment was required, but with perseverance and energy, Thomson captured a wide variety of images: landscapes, people, architecture, domestic and street scenes. As a foreigner, his ability to gain access to photograph women was also remarkable.  

Thomson’s excellent Chinese work established him as the pioneer of photojournalism and one of the most influential photographers of his generation.  

After returning to Britain, Thomson took up an active role informing the public about China, through illustrated lectures and publications.  In 1920, he wrote to Henry Wellcome - pharmacist, philanthropist and collector - wishing to sell his glass negatives.  Thomson died before the transaction could be completed, and Wellcome bought the negatives from Thomson’s heirs in 1921.  The 150 images included in this exhibition come from the Wellcome Library’s collection in London.

This exhibition seeks to show the great diversity of photographs that Thomson took of China.  What  marked his work out (portraits of the rich and famous aside) was his desire to present a faithful account of China and its people.  He wanted to show his audience the human aspects of life in China through his extensive record of everyday street scenes - rarely captured by other photographers of that era.

Exhibition Venues:

Beijing World Art Museum
9A Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100038
16 April - 18 May 2009
www.worldartmuseum.cn

Fujian Museum
96 Hu Tou Street, Gu Lou District, Fuzhou City, Fujian 350001
13 June - 16 August 2009
www.fjbwy.com

Guangzhou Museum
Yue Xiu Park, Zenghai Lou, Guangzhou City, Guangdong 510040
25 August - 25 September 2009
www.guangzhoumuseum.cn

Dongguan Exhibition Center
97 Hongfu Road, Dongguan City, Guangdong 523888
3 November - 6 December 2009
www.dgec.gov.cn