Getty exhibition unveils Indian treasure trove

By Lauren Codling and Sarwar Alam

INDIAN TREASURES, the latest photography exhibition being shown at Getty Images Gallery in London, coincides with the anniversary of Indian independence this week.

It is different, however, in that it does not focus on the struggle for freedom.

“This exhibition is more about celebrating photography in an unbelievable country,” said Matthew Butson, vice president of the Getty Images Hulton Archive.

He told Eastern Eye on Monday (14): “This is about the extremes of the country, from the Himalayas to the cities and the art and craft of the photographers because they really went through some amazing things to actually capture their imagery.”

Arresting photographs tinged with vintage detail adorn the walls of the gallery in central London and it is clear that the images depict a side of India the show runners hope visitors can understand.

“This is an amazing country, the beauty and majesty that’s actually captured in the images is extraordinary. It captures all that and the nuances of everyday life within India at that time,” said Butson.

From Felice Beato’s 1895 image of the Taj Mahal to Samuel Borne’s striking and curiously haunting image collection of the Himalayas, the photographs intend to tell a story of India’s culture and history.

Then there is the array of images taken by the London Stereoscopic Company, effectively the first ever commercial photography agency, at a studio in Regent Street of various individuals, their faces simultaneously serious and ethereal.

They show an elderly man with a cobra that appears almost ghost-like as it is draped around his shoulders. A young drummer boy sits calmly underneath an Indian juggler, despite two knives being held high above his head.

These particular images seem even more intriguing as one tries to interpret the stories of the people they capture.

“My mantra in life is always be curious,” Butson smiled. “Find out about the photographers and the technology because it adds another dimension to the imagery you’re looking at.

“If you’re someone from an English or Asian or Indian background, whatever it is, it doesn’t matter. They’re just beautiful images and we should appreciate them for what they are.”

Walking around the gallery, he explained the challenges they faced, with the wealth of archive photographs.

Taking roughly two years to finally make it to the public, Butson explained that there were some photographs that were approximately 150 years old, so there was a lot of consideration of how they would be handled.

It was also the mystery of certain images that proved to be a test for the team.

“If [the image] just says Indian hill musicians, well where are they from? Who took the shot? What year? Who are they? There was a lot of digging to be done,” Matthew said.

Butson himself has a personal interest in Indian history and photography because his grandfather was from India.

“I’m very proud of my Indian heritage and roots – ironically, I haven’t been to India but that is one thing on the bucket list so yeah, there is very much a personal interest. One day!” he laughed.

The Indian Treasures Exhibition is open until October 7 at the Getty Images Gallery in London.