Pocket Art Series - The Lafayette Studio and Princely India

Author: Russell Harris
Publisher: Roli Books
Year: 2001
Language: English
Pages: 64
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8174361804

Description

This book records the history of the Lafayette Studio of London, and its contribution in portraying the princes of India. It details its ups and downs, and eventual retrieval of its treasures. Besides a short text, the books carries 24 princely portraits.

The Lafayette Studio, founded in Dublin in 1880, boasts one of the oldest histories of any photographic business in the world. During its peak years, the studio photographed a succession of King Emperors / Queen Empresses, Viceroys, and Vicereines , and other colonial administrators and business achievers. With the surge in business, a studio was opened on London's fashionable Bond Street

Rulers, royalty, and dignitaries from outside the United Kingdom, in London on state, colonial, or private business, went to the studio specifically for the purpose of having an 'official' portrait made. Westminster's attempts to secure its Indian Empire through a policy of cultivating the princes included inviting them in great state and pomp to official occasions in London. While in London, the rulers of many princely states often made a visit to the Lafayette studio to have their formal portraits taken.