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Colonial Dress Collection

"Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Colonial Dress: A Glimpse into the Past" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating world of colonial dress

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: Vanished Civilzations: Mountain temple in Cambodia

Vanished Civilzations: Mountain temple in Cambodia
3787641 Vanished Civilzations: Mountain temple in Cambodia; (add.info.: Vanished Civilzations: Mountain temple in Cambodia)

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: Pocahontas (c. 1595-1617) 1616 (oil on canvas)

Pocahontas (c. 1595-1617) 1616 (oil on canvas)
PNP246619 Pocahontas (c.1595-1617) 1616 (oil on canvas) by English School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: Zanjueelah, the boatman of the rapids, from The Victoria Falls, Zambesi River

Zanjueelah, the boatman of the rapids, from The Victoria Falls, Zambesi River
STC423834 Zanjueelah, the boatman of the rapids, from The Victoria Falls, Zambesi River, pub. 1865 (colour litho) by Baines

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: The Only Officer who had a decent horse (pen & ink on paper)

The Only Officer who had a decent horse (pen & ink on paper)
NAM310764 The Only Officer who had a decent horse (pen & ink on paper) by English School, (19th century); National Army Museum

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: Narrain Sing, Hassan Ali, Major Hamilton D. Taylor, Ram Singh, Mohamad Khan, HSR Sir Fred

Narrain Sing, Hassan Ali, Major Hamilton D. Taylor, Ram Singh, Mohamad Khan, HSR Sir Fred
NAM310758 Narrain Sing, Hassan Ali, Major Hamilton D. Taylor, Ram Singh, Mohamad Khan, HSR Sir Fred, Col. P. Carew, c.1886 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); National Army Museum

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: Sir Fred, by Colonel Laughton (b / w photo)

Sir Fred, by Colonel Laughton (b / w photo)
NAM310760 Sir Fred, by Colonel Laughton (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info)

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: The Toutcher on the March (pen & ink on paper)

The Toutcher on the March (pen & ink on paper)
NAM310765 The Toutcher on the March (pen & ink on paper) by English School, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info)

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: Horses at Simla, Queen Mab and Gladys (b / w photo)

Horses at Simla, Queen Mab and Gladys (b / w photo)
NAM310757 Horses at Simla, Queen Mab and Gladys (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); National Army Museum

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: Your Humble Servant on the War Path (pen & ink on paper)

Your Humble Servant on the War Path (pen & ink on paper)
NAM310766 Your Humble Servant on the War Path (pen & ink on paper) by English School, (19th century); National Army Museum

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: Chiefs House, Mandalay, c. 1886 (b / w photo)

Chiefs House, Mandalay, c. 1886 (b / w photo)
NAM310759 Chiefs House, Mandalay, c.1886 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info)

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: Giant crocodile threatens a boat on the Congo River during a 19th century expedition

Giant crocodile threatens a boat on the Congo River during a 19th century expedition
KW392557 Giant crocodile threatens a boat on the Congo River during a 19th century expedition, from Africa Pintoresca, published 1888 (engraving) by Spanish School

Background imageColonial Dress Collection: Hunting buffalo in Central Africa in the late 19th century, from Africa Pintoresca

Hunting buffalo in Central Africa in the late 19th century, from Africa Pintoresca
KW392555 Hunting buffalo in Central Africa in the late 19th century, from Africa Pintoresca, published 1888 (engraving) by Spanish School, (19th century); Private Collection; Ken Welsh; Spanish



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"Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Colonial Dress: A Glimpse into the Past" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating world of colonial dress. From far-flung corners of the globe to daring expeditions, this collection showcases a myriad of fascinating stories woven through intricate engravings, oil paintings, and photographs. Delve into Africa's tumultuous history with "Human sacrifice in the Congo during the 19th century. " This haunting engraving from 'Africa Pintoresca' transports us to an era shrouded in mystery and dark rituals. In contrast, "Pocahontas (c. 1595-1617)" captures a moment frozen on canvas. The famous Native American figure is depicted wearing traditional attire that reflects her cultural heritage while bridging two worlds. Traveling further east, we encounter Zanjueelah, "the boatman of the rapids, " immortalized within pages from 'The Victoria Falls, Zambesi River. ' His stoic presence reminds us of those who navigated treacherous waters with skill and bravery. Amongst these tales lies an unexpected twist - "The Only Officer who had a decent horse. " Through pen strokes on paper, we witness how even amidst challenging circumstances, some managed to maintain their dignity and pride. A diverse cast emerges as we glimpse at individuals like Narrain Sing, Hassan Ali, Major Hamilton D. Taylor; each face tells its own story etched forever by time's hand. And there stands Sir Fred himself - captured by Colonel Laughton's lens - his image resonating with authority and power. From military campaigns to leisurely pursuits atop majestic steeds like Queen Mab and Gladys at Simla; horses played an integral role during colonial times. These black-and-white snapshots transport us back to moments when elegance mingled with adventure. But it wasn't all glamour; survival was paramount for those embarking on the warpath.