Landing of the second detachment of the sixth division at Lungseu bay, Yung Ching Possibly 1895

This photograph, taken by the Ordnance Survey Office, depicts the "Landing of the second detachment of the sixth division at Lungseu bay, Yung Ching." It was made in 1898. As an image produced by a military institution, it carries within it the legacy of colonialism and geopolitical struggle. The scene captures the landing of troops, an act laden with the implications of territorial claim and imperial expansion. This photograph presents the institutional history of the Ordnance Survey Office and its involvement in imperial projects. Understanding the power dynamics, the artist’s intentions, and the cultural context requires a deep dive into historical records and the study of British and Chinese colonial archives. In doing so, we reveal the complex interplay between art, power, and the narratives that shape our understanding of the past.