Gezicht op Scott's Green, de ingang van de Tanjong Pagar Dock Co. Ltd. in Singapore before 1905

G.R. Lambert & Co. captured this view of Scott’s Green and the Tanjong Pagar Dock in Singapore with a camera, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The sepia tones and soft focus are characteristic of early photographic processes. Before digital manipulation, photographers relied on chemical reactions, lens quality and the manipulation of light to shape their images. This print is a record but it also reflects the choices made during its production. Consider that a photograph of this kind was more than just an aesthetic object, it was a tool of commerce. Shipping companies like the Tanjong Pagar Dock were essential to colonial trade networks. This image, while seemingly a simple street view, subtly promotes the company's presence. It speaks volumes about Singapore's role as a vital node in global capitalism, powered by labor, logistics, and the circulation of goods. Understanding the materials, techniques, and economic context helps us to grasp the complex layers within this photograph.