Sanamluang

Back in time with antique photography from ‘Sanamluang’ antique shop
“Antique photos allow us to immerse in the true historical events” Weelawit Futakul

From a step into the antique bookstore

Wit has been fond of reading historical books since he was studying in the elementary school. When growing up, he spent his leisure time in antique bookstores and came upon a precious photo of King Rama VII.  This finding inspired him to learn more and from secondary school onwards, Wit started collecting old photography.

The passionate collector said happily “Looking at antique photos allows us to immerse in the true historical events. I started with collecting antique photos and later expanded my collection to antiques especially from the Chakri Dynasty.”

From passion to action

Wit opened his first antique shop called ‘Sanamluang’ (meaning the big field in front of the Grand Palace) while still studying in university. Later he started working as a full-time employee for a company in addition to his antique shop. As he had to close often due to his obligation to his other job, he realized that  his true passion was running an antique shop. As a result, Wit decided to quit his full-time job to focus on ‘Sanamluang.

A peek into the 100-year-old photos

The most precious archive in ‘Sanamluang’ is the one in which King Rama V was 8 years old. It was taken during the reign of King Rama IV (1851-1868) or 160 years ago.

Early photography of Siam (former name of Thailand) appeared in the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851). It is believed that the oldest photo was a depiction of Kromma Khun Isaret-rangsant or Prince Pinklao taken by Jean-Baptiste Pallegoix, a French bishop who first introduced camera to Siam.

Nonetheless, photography was rare in the reign of King Rama III because Thais in the ancient time believed that taking photos would shorten their lives.  The superstition was no longer widespread after King Rama IV showed his passion and enthusiasm with photography and its innovation.  King Rama IV was also the very first King to be photographed.

Taking photos became popular duringthe era of King Rama V who loved to travel abroad. Many of his photos were shot by reputed foreign studios resulting in ancient photography becoming sought after collectibles among collectors who bid from foreign auction houses that still keep antique photos in good conditions.

What makes these archives different from the present time?

Formerly, phototaking required numerous instruments and was not easily affordable. Old photos are in high resolution because of complex photo processing which is no longer available today.

Capturing everlasting moments in timeless photography

An old photograph can deteriorate over time so preserving it properlyis crucial. Here Wit shares some useful tips for photography enthusiasts: “Damage can be triggered easily when the photos are exposed to light which fades the colors. Framing also requires a museum-grade glass while most of the old photos in Thailand are kept in normal frames. This special frame helps to filter the light. Layer them between sheets of acid free paper becauseacid can cause fungi which is considered the principal contaminant that would harm old photos”

Storing photos in good conditions is closely relevant to its value since well-kept old photos become objects of desire among new collectors and those enthusiasts from abroad. Many old photos from Siam were kept by foreigners nowadays.

Most importantly, antique photography in good condition is “a mirror of time” that brings us back in time to explore historical events and people.