Legendary photographer and travel writer John Thomson (1837-1921) set off for Asia in 1862 and over the next ten years undertook numerous photographic journeys in Siam, Cambodia, Vietnam and many areas in China. The images from these journeys form one of the most extensive records of any region taken in the 19th century. The range, depth and aesthetic quality of John Thomson’s photographic vision mark him out as one of the most important travel photographers.

Thomson arrived in Siam in the autumn of 1865 to discover a land more fascinating and colourful than any he had previously seen. With the help of the British Consul in Bangkok, Thomson was able to gain an audience with King Mongkut who granted him permission to take some formal portraits of the King, his royal family and chief ministers. Whilst in Bangkok he documented an important series of ceremonies for the heir apparent Crown Prince Chulalongkorn, as well as photographing the royal barge, distribution of Lenten robes and a major funeral. Thomson stayed in Bangkok for several months and also photographed views of the city, river scenes, the surrounding countryside and local people. The glass negatives from which these photos were taken are housed in the Wellcome Library, London.

This edition of Siam: Through the Lens of John Thomson is part of the commemoration of 170 years of friendship between Thailand and the United Kingdom following the signing of the Bowring Treaty in 1855.