Qin Feng, a Taiwan collector who has been tracking down this set of negatives for many years, finally bought them this May and put them on public display for the first time.
Qin Feng said, "I decided to buy them immediately after I saw these pictures. They should be owned by the Chinese. We encountered many difficulties during our negotiations with the owner. But how lucky we are to finally succeed."
The Old Summer Palace, known in China as the Gardens of Perfect Brightness, was built in the 18th and 19th century. It was where the emperors of the Qing Dynasty resided and handled government affairs.
Known for its extensive collection of gardens, period architectures, and other works of art, the imperial gardens were destroyed by British and French troops in 1860 during the Second Opium War.
"Disturbed Dreams in the Ruins of the Garden -- Ernst Ohlmer and Historical Images of the Old Summer Palace" is a commemoration for the 150th anniversary of the destruction of the Garden. It will be on display in Beijing until August 30th before touring to Dongguan of Guangdong Province.
Editor: Feng Hui
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