John Thomson 1871 (ca) The Bronze Pavilion, Summer Palace, Beijing, China
Albumen print, from collodion negative Private collection "In any part of the east where I have travelled, I have generally found the early morning the best time for photographic purposes. The temperature is lower, and for an hour of two nature enjoys the most perfect repose." John Thomson 1873, in 'Illustrations of China and its People' (1873/4)
Ruined by the British, the beautiful pavilion was abandoned and overgrown when Thomson visited. (John Hannavy, 2008)
This photograph was included in the book by John Hannavy "Great Photographic Journeys - in the footsteps of Pioneer British Photographers" (Dewi Lewis Publishing, 2008 - # ISBN-10: 1904587542, # ISBN-13: 978-1904587545)
