John Falconer, British Library
A Biographical Dictionary of 19th Century Photographers in South and South-East Asia |
Amateur, India
Royal Artillery, attached to Karachi Police. Letter from the Acting Commissioner in Sind to the Bombay Government dated 24 Sep 1866, states that the Civil Surgeon Dr Bean is ‘not disposed to undertake the task of taking photographs of representatives of the different tribes of the surrounding country, that Captain Pottinger, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Kurrachee Police, has expressed his willingness to undertake it, and has requested to be supplied with certain articles...’ The government declined to supply expensive equipment, but agreed to pay for chemicals and other materials. In May 1867, a series of Pottinger’s photographs of Karachi were sent to Bombay and ordered to be placed in the Government Museum.[1]
Letter from Acting Commissioner in Sind No. 99 dated 24 September 1866 - ‘Reporting, with reference to Government Resolution No. 1746, dated 3rd idem, that Dr Bean, the Civil Surgeon, Kurrachee, is not disposed to undertake the task of taking photographs of representatives of the different tribes, but that Captain Pottinger, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Kurrachee Police, has expressed his willingness to undertake it, and has requested to be supplied with certain articles; and recommending that Captain Pottinger’s proposal be complied with, on the understanding that the execution of it be not allowed to interfere with his Police duties, and that articles he requires be furnished to him.
‘RESOLUTION. - Government regrets they cannot undertake to furnish expensive instruments and apparatus to all Officers skilled in Photography, and willing to give Government the benefit of their experience; but indents for the materials and chemicals consumed in the production of negatives will be most willingly complied with.’[2]
Memorandum from Commissioner in Sind, No. 461, dated 7th May 1867 - Submitting copy of a letter from the Superintendent of Kurrachee Police, and enclosure, together with copies of the Photographs of Kurrachee, therein referred to, and stating that he (the Commissioner) trusts that the thanks of Government may be accorded to Captain Pottinger, R.A., for these Photographs, which do great credit to his skill as a Photographer.
RESOLUTION. - The best acknowledgement of Government should be conveyed to Captain Pottinger for these Photographs, which should be placed in the Government Museum.’[3]
Footnotes
- Λ Bombay Public Proceedings, IOR/P/441/49 Sept 1866, no.1990 and IOR/P/441/50 23 May 1867, no.978.
- Λ Bombay Public Proceedings, October 1866, IOR/P/441/49 No. 869
- Λ Bombay Public Proceedings, May 1867, IOR/P/441/50 No. 495
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