John thomson photographer biography examples

John Thomson lived from 14 June 1837 to 29 September 1921. He was a photographer who travelled widely in the Far East and pioneered many aspects of travel photography and photojournalism.

The wider picture in Scotland at the time is set out in our Historical Timeline.

John Thomson was born in Edinburgh, the son of William Thomson, a shopkeeper.

John thomson photographer biography examples

After leaving school he became an apprentice to James Bryson, an optical and scientific instrument maker. He also undertook evening classes at the Watt Institution and School of Arts. In 1861 he became a member of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts, and the following year travelled to Singapore to join his older brother William, a watchmaker and photographer.

On arrival in Singapore, he set up in partnership with his brother, and established a photographic studio.

John thomson photographer exhibition

He also began to travel widely, taking his camera with him wherever he went. In 1865 he moved to Siam, now Thailand. Th