Gezicht op de gebouwen, kades en omgeving van de Tanjong Pagar Dock Co. Ltd. in Singapore before 1905

This photograph captures the buildings, quays, and surroundings of the Tanjong Pagar Dock Company in Singapore, shot by G.R. Lambert & Co. This image offers a fascinating glimpse into Singapore's colonial past, likely taken during the late 19th century when Singapore was a vital trading hub for the British Empire. We see the bustling activity around the docks, which were crucial for international trade. This scene reflects the economic interests that drove colonial expansion. The Tanjong Pagar Dock Company itself represents a powerful institution shaping Singapore's development. Images like this were often used to promote the idea of progress under colonial rule, but we can also read them critically. Looking at archival documents, company records, and personal accounts can help us understand the complex social and economic impacts of such developments on the local population. Art like this reminds us that history is always contingent on its social and institutional context.