China Photographer: Milton M. Miller (1830-1899).... Lot 4016

China Photographer: Milton M. Miller (1830-1899). Laying of the foundation stone of the Hong Kong City Hall. 1865. albumen print. 19,5 x 25,5 cm. Mounted to board (slight foxing), annotated in pencil and ink below image on mount. The old City Hall was the first building in Hong Kong that did not house government offices. It served exclusively municipal purposes. Today it is replaced by the Bank of China Building and The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC Group). This early photograph shows the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone in 1865 with festively dressed notables and many onlookers in attendance. Construction began in 1866 on land provided by the government. The building, which also housed a theater and a library, was inaugurated on November 2, 1869 by HRH Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to the colony. In 1933 the building was partially demolished and in 1947 completely demolished to make way for the new HSBC Group building. Provenance: Robert Lebeck collection