CityNews – Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre hosted a press conference on December 2, to announce the first ancient photo exhibition in the north “Siam through the lens of John Thomson 1865-1866”
The conference was led by Momratchawong Narisara Chakkraphong, chairman of the board of the exhibition and storekeeper, Paisarn Piammettawat, committee of the exhibition and storekeeper, and Chiang Mai Mayor Tassanai Buranupakorn.
The exhibition will be displayed between December 19th – January 31st (8.30am to 5pm) at the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre and admission will be free.
According to Momratchawong Narisara, the exhibition was supported by Wellcome Institute London, the owner of the copyright. The pictures will be printed at one metre wide so viewers can enjoy the details of the images.
She added that what makes the exhibition outstanding is that this will be the first ancient photo exhibition displayed in the north. Also, the exhibition is introduced to honour Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on occasion of her 60th birthday this year. This is also to remember 150 years after the visit of John Thomson in Siam, an important photographer in the 19th century.
Earlier this year, the photo exhibition by John Thomson was held at The National Gallery in Bangkok and was visited by at least 20,000 people. As a result, organisers believe this exhibition to be well accepted too.
According to Paisarn, John Thomson was a Scottish photographer, travelling to Siam in the era of King Rama IV in 1865. He spent his time in the city and other nearby provinces for months taking photos of important people, villagers, cities and scenery.
The most important photos are the photos of King Rama IV and the young King Rama V.
King Rama IV also allowed Thomson to take photos of other members of the royal family in the palace.
His work has been successfully displayed in various countries including Ireland, Scotland, America, China, and Hong Kong.