Illuminated World 

Mandarin wife and child in traditional costume

A unique exploration of early photography from an extraordinary man

Hall Place, situated in Bexley, a Tudor mansion set in magnificent sixty five hectares of gardens, is this autumn welcoming a unique photography exhibition; Illuminated World. Opening October 6, it showcases local man, Arthur Boswell’s (1880-1966) rare collection of early Victorian photography that he took and compiled throughout his lifetime.

Visitors will be taken on a fascinating journey of people and places from African plains, Norwegian fjords to Italian cities, contrasted with Bexley and the local area all as they were a century ago. Illuminated World will provide a magical encounter of life in Victorian times and an appreciation of the customs and cultures that would have enchanted observers during an era when people were travelling more than ever before. Visitors can also learn about photographic techniques of the time with original apparatus on display.

The exhibition will lead visitors through a series of splendid rooms in Hall Place each more captivating than the last as it charts Boswell’s exploration through imagery of the world, coming back to his beloved Bexley.

Unearthed from the town’s local archive, this is the first time the images created from original glass lantern slides have been on show to the public and the selection represents only a fraction of the total of some 14,000 images.

http://www,bexleyheritagetrust.org.u/hallplace