Time Travel With These Exceptional Vintage Photos Of India

As India celebrates the 70th anniversary of its independence from Britain, we take a look at some of the rarest and earliest photographic documentation of the country and its people at the stunning Getty Images exhibition in London.
Selected from one of the largest private photographic archives, the diverse works on display include glass plate negatives and vintage prints as well as images from scrapbooks and unique albums.

Unknown artist, H.H The Rajah Sahib of Ullwar (Alwar), c. 1887

Covering a range of subjects, from portraits of performers and snake charmers to the earliest photographic views of the Taj Mahal, the show delves into the rich cultural history of India documented by some of the most prominent 19th century photographers including John Edward Saché and Felice Beato.

Felice Beato, Taj Mahal from the Jumna, Agra, 1859

“A complex landscape and medley of influences, India has long been a springboard for the imagination, not least for some of photography’s pioneers,” said Matthew Butson, Vice President of Getty Images Archive. “After what has felt like a thrilling archaeological dig, we could not be more excited to share these incredible images – and stories – with gallery visitors.”

Some of the most exceptional inclusions are by the prolific 19th century travel photographer, Samuel Bourne who travelled to India between 1863 and 1870 and would need up to 30 porters to carry his photographic equipment. His views of Vishnu Pud on the River Ganges at Varanasi and the Himalayas capture both the exquisite architecture and ethereal nature of India.

Samuel Bourne, Hama Pass View, Lahaul Valley, Himalayas, 1866

There are also remarkable examples of the different ethnic groups that live throughout India, from the Pathans who reside in North-Western Pakistan to the Nepalese in Darjeeling.

Randolph Bezzant Holmes, The Old Pathan, 1915

Artist unknown, Darjeeling Hills Musician, date unknown

The show also illustrates the wide variety of photographic techniques used both then as well as now.

Photoglob Co., Girgaum Road, Bombay (Mumbai), c. 1890 – 1910

As well as a series of striking colour prints made by the rare photochrom process, which colourises black-and-white negatives, you can also purchase museum-quality print copies that have been made using the latest dark room methods.

Indian Treasures is at Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8DX until October 7, 2017.
Want to see more stunning photographs of India? Check out the work of Magnum photographer, Steve McCurry.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.