Siam: Through the Lens of John Thomson

John Thomson’s photographic vision marks him out as one of history’s most important travel photographers. Featuring dramatic images developed from negatives preserved in London’s Wellcome Library, this exhibition introduces the sights and people of nineteenth-century Thailand as witnessed by Thomson’s camera.

We worked closely with curator Laura Muldowney to design this exciting exhibition for Chester Beatty. The photos on display have a very contemporary feel even though they were taken in the nineteenth-century. We wanted to reflect the modern aesthetic of the images in the identity and exhibition design. LED Neon signs are used to reference modern day Bangkok and a striking orange colour palette influenced by Thai Buddhist monks are used to create a vibrant and stimulating visitor experience.