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Interest in early photography in China is growing rapidly. The purpose of this site is to encourage that growth by giving access to images of and information about Qing-Dynasty photography. This site is for historical photography only; the cut-off date is 1911 – the end of the Qing Dynasty.

The Terry Bennett Collection of original Qing-Dynasty photographs covers the period 1844-1911, and this site will illustrate a selection of images from that collection.

Click here to view a full searchable listing of the collection (PDF - 1.6MB)

Click here to to view sample images from the collection

Latest News Early China Photography Exhibition - London 6-11 June 2011  28 May 2011 Highlights from the Terry Bennett collection of early China photography will be exhibited in London from 6-11 June 2011. This is the first time that items from the collection have been exhibited. The venue is Bernard Quaritch Ltd., 8 Lower John Street, Golden Square, London, W1F 9AU. Telephone:+44(0)20 7297 4888. MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY 10AM—6PM WEDNESDAY 10AM—8PM, SATURDAY 12PM—6PM.   History of Photography in China: Western Photographers 1861-1879  18 Dec 2010 The above book by Terry Bennett, the second in the series on the history of photography in China, has now been published by Quaritch, London. The book can be ordered directly from this site by going to 'Items For Sale' and then connecting to the 'Books For Sale' page.   Sample Images From the Collection -Uploading Completed  6 Aug 2010 We have now finished uploading some 250 sample images from the Terry Bennett Collection. Although this represents less than 3% of the collection as a whole, work from most of the key photographers has been included.   Sample Images From the Collection  4 Jul 2010 We are uploading samples from the collection on an alphabetical basis. So far we have covered A-K and expect to complete the task during the next few weeks. Just added are rare views of the 1900 Boxer Rebellion by Charles Killie, panoramas of Shanghai by Kung Tai,early images by William Jocelyn and Jules Itier and some evocative shots of Kiukiang (Jiujiang)taken just a few years after the port had opened.   New Research Findings: Felix Beato, Milton Miller & Charles Parker  22 Aug 2009 In Terry Bennett's new book 'History of Photography in China 1842-1860' important new research material is revealed. Of particular interest to those who follow early Japanese photography is confirmation, at last, of Felix Beato’s date and place of birth, as well as his date and place of death. The life history of the mysterious Milton M. Miller is also outlined for the first time. Finally, important information on Charles Parker has emerged. Click here for more information.   Showing 1 to 5 of 6 |< First < Previous Next > Last >|

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