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Photographic Processes
The Wellcome Library in London holds many of Thomson’s photographs, glass plates, and production tools; these offer insights into his working methods, and the ways in which his photographs were seen by the public apart from the published volumes. Each additional view tweaks perception of the images beyond the albums’ polished and edited presentation.
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Some striking photographs, such as these two versions of a woman wearing a
headscarf,
were not selected by Thomson for inclusion in Illustrations of China and its People.
“Chinese boatwoman wearing a headscarf, Canton,
Kwangtung province, China, 1868 - 1870”
“The Abbot and Monks of Kushan” was chosen for the album over the following image of Buddhist monks that appears to have been
photographed at the same time.
“The Abbot and Monks of Kushan,” plate XVIII, #45, volume 2
ct2070 (caption) ct2071 (photo)
Variations in printing, as well as the original glass plates
and stereo versions, can be seen.
“A Hong-Kong Artist,” plate IV, volume 1
ct1019 (caption) ct1020 (photo)
An uncropped print of “A Hong-Kong Artist,” ca. 1868
A glass plate, presumably for a stereo version of
the “Hong-Kong Artist,” 1869
Thomson’s shooting process included portrait sittings,
as shown
by these three photographs.
“A Chinese Mandarin,” ca. 1867
“A travelling chiropodist tending to a male patient's
foot, China. Wood engraving by T.H. Hildibrand
after E. Ronjat after J. Thomson”
““Buddhist Monks,” 1870-71
The album photograph “A Pekingese Chiropodist” can be
seen in several other versions.
“A Pekingese Chiropodist,” plate XI, #26, volume 4
ct4051 (caption) ct4055 (photo)
“A travelling chiropodist operating upon a corn on his patient's foot.
Peking, Pechili province, China,” 1869
In the album photograph “A Manchu Bride and Maid” the background is somewhat muted, while the following print more clearly reveals the photographer’s wooden backdrop.
“A Manchu Bride and Maid,” plate XIII, #34, volume 4
ct4065 (caption) ct4067 (photo)
“Manchu bride in her wedding clothes, Peking,
Pechili Province, China,” 1871-72
The album photograph “The Sedan” appears to be set in the countryside; the following image, however, reveals that the buildings in the
background were cut out.
“The Sedan,” plate XXII, #55, volume 2
ct2088 (caption) ct2089 (photo)
“The Sedan” was reproduced, like many of Thomson’s
photographs, for stereo viewing...
...as was this 1869 view of John Thomson himself with Honan
soldiers in Amoy, Fukien province, China.
