Lost World of Ladakh

The Lost World of Ladakh — Early Photographic Journeys in Indian Himalaya is a rare collection of 150 black-and-white photographs of Ladakh from the 1930s, capturing its final days as a hub of trade between Tibet, Kashmir, South Asia and Central Asia. These portraits of people, landscapes and religious ceremonies are notable for their careful composition, fine detail and engaging informality. Claude Rupert Trench Wilmot (1897-1962) was a career officer in the British Army and served in India for 15 years between the first and second World Wars. He made two journeys to Ladakh: In 1931, he used the west-east route between Kashmir and Ladakh and in 1934 he used the north-south route from Kullu valley. Since there were no roads for wheeled traffic in Ladakh, Wilmot travelled on foot, using packhorses and local guides. On each occasion, he took numerous photographs, of which some 300 survive as contact prints. Till recently, his work was largely unknown outside his family. As Ladakh continues to change, the images provide an important documentation of the region, its landscape and cultural heritage. Wilmot provided few details for the photographs and the book is the result of extensive research to uncover stories behind each image. This was done by the current custodians of these photos, Rupert Wilmot’s niece, Nicky Harman, and nephew, Roger Bates, with able support from the Ladakh Art and Media Organisation (LAMO). Proceeds from the sales of this book go towards Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO), Tserkarmo Monastery, Tingmosgang and to promote Ladakhi writers. About the authors: Claude Rupert Trench Wilmot (1897-1961) was a British army officer stationed in India during the 1930s and a talented amateur photographer. Nicky Harman translates Chinese literature, and was formerly a lecturer at Imperial College London. Roger Bates, who digitised the photographs, is a retired engineer. He has many years of experience working in digital photography.