Deep Dive: Just Restored!

Little is known about Irish photographer John Burke (1846–ca.1900) other than he was a Catholic man who joined the British Army and became a war photographer, depicting the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880).

What is certain, however, is that the Weltmuseum Wien’s photography collection houses an album by him, with photographs depicting the men, women, and soldiers of Tibet and Kashmir. Austrian ethnologist Josef Troll (1844–1919) purchased these images around 1900 for the museum and, during his travel through British-India might have met Burke in person who had settled in Peshawar as of 1861. Recently restored, this album testifies to an exciting link between the two men, via South Asia, which Dr Hanin Hannouch, the Curator of photography, film, and audio collections invites you to explore. Together, we will leaf through the historical album, discuss the images, and attempt to uncover the enigma that is Burke’s life.

The event will take place in English behind the scenes of the museum.

Our Deep Dive format offers exactly what the name promises: deep insights into the working world of the Weltmuseum Wien, from the conservation department to our curatorial staff. This series also includes talks with artists, scientists, and personalities from various fields of knowledge on selected objects and topics. Our aim is to use the Weltmuseum Wien as a lively place of exchange and to confront the socio-political discourses and challenges that open up new perspectives on an extraordinary collection.

Duration: 60 min
Participation: € 9 (valid museum ticket required)
Tickets are available online or at the ticket office, while stocks last
Meeting place: Hall of Columns