In previous talks to the RAS, David has shown us photographs from his collection and talked us through the scenes and their hidden details.

This talk is different – you’ll still see plenty of photographs of old Hong Kong, but this time David will talk about the work involved in buying, storing, restoring, researching, and eventually publishing the photographs. Topics include:

• Where to find old photographs, tips for buying, and scams to watch out for

• Potential causes of damage and how to keep your photographs safe

• Using the computer to enhance the photographs

• Uncovering the photographs’ stories

• Photographs in print vs. photographs on screen

• The latest artificial-intelligence tools, how they can improve a photograph’s appearance, but also their limitations

The talk will last approximately 45 minutes, followed by Q&A.

The Speaker

David Bellis runs the popular local-history website, Gwulo.com. It hosts over 50,000 pages about old Hong Kong, including over 30,000 photographs. In 2014, David won the SCMP's Spirit of Hong Kong award for Heritage Preservation, for his work on Gwulo.com.



He has published four books in the Old Hong Kong Photos and The Tales They Tell series, and is working on the fifth to be published later this year. 

Programme

Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm Hong Kong Time (Desk reception opens at 6:30pm)   

Admission:  $100 for members, $150 for guests /non-members. Walk-in guests are welcome depending on availability. Cash payment will be collected at the Reception Desk.  Please prepare the exact amount.

Registration: Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk and provide your membership number, if applicable, at the time of registration.  Registration will be closed at 12 noon on the event date. 

Zoom links will be sent by or before 1pm on the event date.