Advertisement
However, the widespread replication of his work testifies to the legacy of his photographic brilliance and value – his images, even when used without permission, demonstrated their significant impact and enduring appeal.
Advertisement
Advertisement
From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in photography, roaming the streets with a self-made pinhole camera.
His early fascination with capturing moments laid the foundation for his future career.
Kwan’s talent was recognised early, and he received formal training from a Hong Kong photographer, which enhanced his technical skills and artistic sensibility.
‘Capturing’ notable personalities
Over the years, he photographed notable personalities, including Datuk Khoo Siak Chew, a prominent figure from a well-known Sandakan family who served as a government minister when Sabah joined Malaysia.
He also captured Sir William Goode, the last Governor of North Borneo, documenting critical moments in the region’s history.
During his time at Flower Studio, Kwan’s passion for portrait photography deepened.
His portraits, characterised by meticulous attention to detail and emotional depth, are still appreciated today for their ability to tell stories – each image conveying the personality and mood of its subject.
Photographic ventures outstation
Though outstation trips for photography were rare, Kwan ventured to places like Kota Belud, where he documented local culture and landscapes.
His photographs became treasured souvenirs and historical records.
With the support of District Officer J.E. Longfield, he travelled by Land Rover and on foot with indigenous porters to capture the indigenous peoples and breathtaking landscapes of the region.
Kwan was cautious with his camera, demonstrating a deep connection to his craft and a desire to authentically document Sabah’s natural beauty.
Up at crack of dawn to ‘shoot’ Mt Kinabalu
In Kota Belud, Kwan and his team stayed at the government rest house.
Each morning, he rose early to photograph the awe-inspiring views of Mount Kinabalu.
These images, later transformed into postcards, helped promote Sabah’s scenic beauty and cultural richness.
Today, Kwan’s photographs remain vital pieces of North Borneo’s visual history.
His work not only captured moments but also preserved the spirit of a society experiencing profound change, an era marked by colonial influences, war, and eventual independence.
His images serve as a bridge, connecting the past to the present and reminding us of the importance of preserving history through photography.
Kwan brothers’ photos – a timeless reminder
Kwan Dick Fook’s legacy, along with the work of his brothers, continues to inspire photographers and historians alike.
Their images are more than just photographs; they are stories etched in time, snapshots of a society caught between tradition and modernity.
They remind us of the importance of documenting our history, especially during times of transition.
In conclusion, the Kwan Brothers played a significant role in shaping our understanding of the region’s identity.
Their images are timeless, capturing the resilience, beauty, and cultural richness of a society on the brink of monumental change.
As we look back at their work, we are reminded that photography is not merely an art form but a vital tool in preserving our collective history for generations to come.
Editor’s note : This article and pictures are contributed by author of the book ‘Vintage Photographs of North Borneo by the Kwan Brothers 1928-1987’ – Sandakan-born Nicholas KM Tan, a noted collector and researcher of vintage postcards and postal collectables, shares them with a wider public through this book published by Opus Publication. Besides being a graduate in Computer Science from North London Polytechnic, Tan is founder of Hotel Sixty3 on Gaya St, KK, co-author of another book ‘Pre-War images of North Borneo’. He and wife Gloria Kah have six daughters.
