Samuel Bourne (1834–1912)

British photographer best known for his prolific seven-year work in India from 1863 to 1870. Together with Charles Shepherd, he founded Bourne & Shepherd in 1863, first in Shimla and later in Calcutta, which closed in June 2016. Created by: PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Dated: 1834

Samuel Bourne was a British photographer best known for his pioneering work in India in the 19th century. Born in Staffordshire, England in 1834, he began his career as an engraver. He soon turned to photography and became one of the most important photographers of his time.

In 1863, Bourne travelled to India to photograph the country's landscape and architecture. He spent several years travelling throughout the country, taking thousands of photographs that captured the beauty and diversity of India. His photographs were highly regarded for their technical excellence and artistic quality.

Bourne's work was instrumental in shaping Western perceptions of India in the 19th century. His photographs were widely published in books and magazines and helped to create a romantic image of India as a land of exotic beauty and mystery.

Bourne continued to work as a photographer until his death in 1912. Today, his photographs are considered some of the most important examples of early travel photography and continue to inspire photographers and artists around the world.

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