History of Glass Plate Photography in Siam

Explore the history of glass plate photography in Siam through not only a series of glass plate photos but also a video interview of Historians and Archivists in Thailand.

By Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

The National Archives of Thailand

Group Photo of Young Royals (1904) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

His Majesty King Mongkut (1851-1868), was the first Siamese King who allowed a photographer to take his photograph.This was an unprecedented act. These early photographs of King Mongkut were thereby sent as gifts to heads of states abroad in order to promote the Siamese identity.

Holding a camera (1903/1906) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

It was during the subsequent reign of King Chulalongkorn that photography had become popular, partially due to the King's personal interest in the art form.

There were a multitude of photos which were taken during this period. And these photos were taken either by the King himself or other family members. These photos revealed private and warm moments of a King and his family, moments which had never been seen or documented before in previous reigns.

Two Sons of Palad Krom (1897/1907) by The National Archives of ThailandBangkok Art and Culture Centre

From the first photographic process of Daguerreotype to the collodion wet plate and further improved dry plate, we will delve into the history of glass plate photography in Siam through interviews with historians and archivists from National Archives of Thailand.

The History of Glass Plate Photography in SiamBangkok Art and Culture Centre

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Walk through the exhibition space to enjoy History of Glass Plate Photography in Siam

See Siam Through the King's Eyes
Credits: Story

The Ministry of Culture, Thailand
The Fine Arts Department
The National Archives of Thailand
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
Sirivadhanabhakdi Foundation
Thai Beverage PLC
The Royal Photographic Society of Thailand
The Photographic Arts Foundation
Wet Plate and Alternative Process Thailand

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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