B&W Photos Rangoon

RA 1

The Strand Hotel 

Philipp Klier, c. 1901

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Strand opened in 1901. It was built by the British entrepreneur John Darwood but later acquired by the Sarkies brothers, who owned a number of luxury hotels in the Far East, including the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang, Malaysia. During the colonial period, The Strand was one of the most luxurious hotels in the British Empire. The Sarkies brothers sold The Strand to Rangoon restaurateur Peter Bugalar Aratoon and Ae Amovsie in 1925. The hotel underwent a major renovation in 1937. during World War II, following the Japanese occupation of Burma, the hotel was used briefly to quarter Japanese troops. After Burma achieved independence in 1948, the hotel was neglected by post-colonial governments. Following a total renovation, The Strand reopened in 1993 as an all-suite, top-of-the-range boutique hotel. In February 2019, The Strand Hotel has become the first hotel in Myanmar to receive a commemorative blue plaque from the Yangon Heritage Trust in acknowledgment of its significance in the historical and cultural heritage of Rangoon.  

RA 2

Fytche Square

(now Mahabandoola Park)

Philipp Klier, c. 1895

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

Named in honour of the then Chief Commissioner of British Burma, Sir Albert Fytche, the park dates back to1868. Fytche Square was previously a vacant, swampy plot originally known as Tank Square, which was cleared and laid out as a public recreation ground. In 1885, J. Short landscaped the park properly. The park is now named after General Maha Bandula who fought against the British in the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826). 

The photograph shows a view over Fytche Square, looking towards the Sule Pagoda and the City Hall on the right side. In the background, the Shwedagon Pagoda can be seen silhouetted on the horizon.

RA 3

Sulay Pagoda

Philipp Klier, c. 1903

Photo: 8.25" x 11 (21 x 27.5 cm)

Frame: 14" x 16.5" (36 x 42 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Sule Pagoda was made the center of Yangon by Lt. Alexander Fraser of the Bengal Engineers, who created the present street layout of Yangon soon after the British occupation in the middle of the 19th century. The Sule Pagoda is a milestone from which all addresses to the north were measured. The 48-metre tall Mon-style chedi (pagoda) is unusual in that its octagonal shape continues right up to the bell and inverted bowl below the spire.

According to Burmese legend, the site where the Sule Pagoda now stands was once the home of a powerful nat (spirit) named Sularata (the Sule Nat). The king of the Nats, Sakka, wished to help the legendary king Okkalap build a shrine for the Buddha's sacred hair-relic on the same site where three previous Buddhas had buried sacred relics in past ages. Unfortunately, these events had happened so long ago that not even Sakra knew exactly where the relics were buried. The Sule nat, however, who was so old that his eyelids had to be propped up with trees in order for him to stay awake, had witnessed the great event. The gods, Nats, and humans of the court of Okkalapa therefore gathered around the Sule Ogre and asked him the location, which he eventually remembered.

 RA 4

Strand Road 

Unknown, c. 1869

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

 RA 5

Strand Road 

Unknown, 1870

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The chessboard layout of Rangoon with Strand road on the riverfront was planned in 1852 by Dr William Montgomerie’s. Having learnt his city planning skills from Sir Stamford Raffles during the founding of Singapore in 1819 he considered himself qualified to give an opinion of the best plan to laying out the new town of Rangoon. Strand Road was considered the most valuable asset of the place. A Chinese temple was built on Strand Road in 1861, the Town Church in 1865.

RA 6

Strand Road, Rangoon 382

Philipp Klier, 1890

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The chessboard layout of Rangoon with Strand road on the riverfront was planned in 1852 by Dr William Montgomerie’s. Having learnt his city planning skills from Sir Stamford Raffles during the founding of Singapore in 1819 he considered himself qualified to give an opinion of the best plan to laying out the new town of Rangoon. Strand Road was considered the most valuable asset of the place. A Chinese temple was built on Strand Road in 1861, the Town Church in 1865, the Public Offices in 1875, the Municipal Bazaar in 1876, and the Post Office in 1879. The latter is the building in the photo on the right. The Town Church can be seen in the distance as well as the Municipal Bazaar on the right side. 

 RA 7

Strand Road, Municipal Bazaar

J. Jackson, c. 1876

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 8

Strand Road, Rangoon 429

Philipp Klier, c. 1890

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

 RA 9

A Street in Rangoon, 427

Philipp Klier, c. 1890

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 10

Strand Road, Rangoon 383

Philipp Klier, c. 1889

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The building in the foreground was the district court. In 1927 it was replaced by the new law courts building. A few years ago it has been converted into the Rosewood Hotel. 

RA 11

Strand Road, Rangoon

Watts & Skeen, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 12

Strand Road, Rangoon

J. Jackson, c. 1880

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 13

Strand Road 391

Philipp Klier, c. 1889

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 14

Municipal Office & Sule Pagoda, 428 

Philipp Klier, c. 1885

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 15

Dahlhousie Street (now Mahabandula St.)

Watts & Skeen, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 16

Electric Tram at the South 

Entrance of Shwedagon Pagoda

Unknown, c. 1907

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The first tramways in Rangoon consisted of three standard gauge routes of the Rangoon Steam Tramway Company, which opened on 4th March 1884. Steam trams and trailers were from the Falcon Engine & Car Works Ltd. of Loughborough. The steam tramway company was owned by J.W.Darwood & Co., Rangoon dealers of wood and horses. In 1889 John Darwood, of Scottish descent, sold the steam tramway to a Calcutta-based company, but by 1899 the operation had become bankrupt. By 1902 the canny Darwood bought a 42-year concession for electric tramways and lighting. In 1905 he registered the Rangoon Electric Tramway & Supply Company Ltd. in Liverpool, with a share issue in 1906 of £500,000. Having transferred his concession to the new company, Darwood then took a seat on the board. The first electric trams operated on 15th December 1906 with the last of the new routes opening on 12th March 1908. This brought the total of the system to five routes and 18.5 miles, with offices, depots, and a generating station (which also provided power for local electric lighting) in Lower Kemmendine Road, Ahlone, to the west of the system. 

RA 17

Dahlhousie Street, Rangoon

(now Mahabandula St.)

Watts & Skeen, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

This photo of Mahabandula St. was taken from the Sule Pagoda looking East. On the right side, you can see the old city hall on the left the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Built in 1885 by an American missionary, the church was destroyed during World War II but rebuilt in 1952. The first tramway was introduced in 1884 and became electrified in 1906. 

RA 18

St. Mary's Cathedral

under construction

Unknown, 1898

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 19

Merchant Street

J. Jackson, 1869

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

In the mid-19th century, Rangoon was rebuilt by British military engineers on a long, east-west geometric grid plan. Merchant Street is the most southerly of the streets dating from this time and is so named because it was the main business thoroughfare. This is a view looking west along the street, with the spire of Holy Trinity Church (completed 1865) visible in the distance to the left. The tower of the Roman Catholic Cathedral (completed 1859) is at the right on the corner of Fytche Square. 

RA 20

Merchant Street, Rangoon 

Watts & Skeen,1895

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 21

Merchant Street

Unknown, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

Merchant Street was the business centre of Rangoon. Many of the leading business houses of Rangon were located on Merchant Road. There you could find pharmacists, chemists, tabacconists, watch & clockmakers, importer of wine & spirits, importer of musical instruments, coachbuilders, harness & boot makers, etc.  

RA 22

Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Merchant Street

Unknown, c. 1920

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

In 1892 HSBC extended its operations to Rangoon. In 1901 the premises now occupied by the Myanmar Foreign Trade bank on the corner of Merchant & Mahabandoola St. were built on a site which had previously been occupied by the Roman Catholic Cathedral. 

RA 23

S. Oppenheimer, Merchant Street

Unknown, c. 1893

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

Mr. Siegmund Oppenheimer founded this well-known firm of general merchants and Government contractors on August 17, 1885. Oppenheimer was a general agent and manufactured military equipment, tents, wolfram-ore bags, hospital furniture, iron, and brass founders. If that wasn't enough, they imported engineering and building materials and wines and spirits.  The building in the photograph still exists today with only minor changes to the exterior.

RA 24

Phayre Street (now Pansodan Street) 

Watts & Skeen,1895

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 25

Phayre Street (now Pansondan St.)

Unknown, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 26

Sooley Pagoda & Band Stand

J. Jackson, 1870s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Sule Pagoda was made the center of Yangon by Lt. Alexander Fraser of the Bengal Engineers, who created the present street layout of Yangon soon after the British occupation in the middle of the 19th century. The Sule Pagoda is a milestone from which all addresses to the north were measured. The 48-metre tall Mon-style chedi (pagoda) is unusual in that its octagonal shape continues right up to the bell and inverted bowl below the spire.

According to Burmese legend, the site where the Sule Pagoda now stands was once the home of a powerful nat (spirit) named Sularata (the Sule Nat). The king of the Nats, Sakka, wished to help the legendary king Okkalap build a shrine for the Buddha's sacred hair-relic on the same site where three previous Buddhas had buried sacred relics in past ages. Unfortunately, these events had happened so long ago that not even Sakra knew exactly where the relics were buried. The Sule nat, however, who was so old that his eyelids had to be propped up with trees in order for him to stay awake, had witnessed the great event. The gods, Nats, and humans of the court of Okkalapa therefore gathered around the Sule Ogre and asked him the location, which he eventually remembered.

RA 27

Recorder's Court 

J. Jackson, c. 1868

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Recordership was established in 1863 for the trial of civil cases. The pagoda, an octagonal stupa, became the landmark of central Rangoon when the city was rebuilt in the mid-19th century on a grid system around the shrine. Many of Rangoon’s civic and governmental colonial buildings were erected during the following decades. 

RA 28

Sule Pagoda

[South Entrance]

J. Jackson, c. 1867

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

This is a view of the Sule Pagoda from the south. The building on the right was replaced sometime in the 1870s by the Ripon Hall which was named after the viceroy Lord Ripon and was used as a dance hall and for public events. The building was consequently purchased by the British government in the early 1880s and used as a town hall. The construction of the current city hall started in 1926 and was only finished ten years later in 1936. 

RA 29

Sule Pagoda

[Looking South West]

J. Jackson, c. 1867

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 30

Sule Pagoda

[North Entrance]

J. Jackson, c. 1865

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 31

Sule Pagoda

Unknown, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Sule Pagoda was made the center of Yangon by Lt. Alexander Fraser of the Bengal Engineers, who created the present street layout of Yangon soon after the British occupation in the middle of the 19th century. The Sule Pagoda is a milestone from which all addresses to the north were measured. The 48-metre tall Mon-style chedi (pagoda) is unusual in that its octagonal shape continues right up to the bell and inverted bowl below the spire.

According to Burmese legend, the site where the Sule Pagoda now stands was once the home of a powerful nat (spirit) named Sularata (the Sule Nat). The king of the Nats, Sakka, wished to help the legendary king Okkalap build a shrine for the Buddha's sacred hair-relic on the same site where three previous Buddhas had buried sacred relics in past ages. Unfortunately, these events had happened so long ago that not even Sakra knew exactly where the relics were buried. The Sule nat, however, who was so old that his eyelids had to be propped up with trees in order for him to stay awake, had witnessed the great event. The gods, Nats, and humans of the court of Okkalapa, therefore, gathered around the Sule Ogre and asked him the location, which he eventually remembered.

RA 32

Sule Pagoda

[Southern Approach]

Philipp Klier, 1900s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 33

Signal Pagoda (Alanpya Pagoda) 

Tripe 1855

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

During British Rule in Burma, the pagoda acquired its present-day name, Signal Pagoda, because it was used as a signal station for vessels coming up Rangoon River.

RA 34

Government House 

Philipp Klier, c. 1895

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 35

Secretariat

Unknown, c. 1893

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Secretariat Building, was the home and administrative seat of British Burma, in downtown Yangon, Burma. The construction of the central building started in January 1890 and was completed in December 1892 at the time when this photograph was taken. Construction of the complex's eastern and western wings began more than 10 years later in 1903 and was finished in 1905.   

RA 36

Secretariat

Unknown, c. 1893

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Secretariat Building, was the home and administrative seat of British Burma, in downtown Yangon, Burma. The construction of the central building started in January 1890 and was completed in December 1892 at the time when this photograph was taken. Construction of the complex's eastern and western wings began more than 10 years later in 1903 and was finished in 1905.  

 RA 37

Rangoon Post Office

Philipp Klier, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The post office was built in 1879. Unfortunately, in 1930 an earthquake destroyed the building. 

RA  38

Rangoon Post Office

Unknown, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA  39

Rangoon Post Office

Unknown, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 40

Pegu Club

Unknown, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Pegu Club was founded in 1871 in a bungalow in Cheape Road (now Ma Naw Hari Street). It was a Victorian-style Gentleman's Club. The Pegu Club moved to its present location on Prome Road (now Pyay Rd.) in 1882. Rudyard Kipling, as a young newspaperman, visited Pegu Club when he was in Yangon in 1889. There were large card rooms and reading rooms, and a billiard room with four tables. A tennis court was also maintained. The Pegu Club became famous for its signature drink the Pegu Club Cocktail which was introduced in the 1920s. The cocktail is made with London dry gin, lime juice, orange curacao, a dash of orange bitters, and Angostura bitters.

The club sits on an enormous plot of land, with a surviving original teak structure that was greatly extended over the years, including a large hall built for a visit by Britain's Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, in 1922; and teak accommodation blocks added for use by club members.

When the Imperial Japanese Army took Yangon from the British in March 1942 the compound became an officers' club. After World War II, Britain's Royal Air Force tried to revamp the premises but after Myanmar's independence in 1948, the club passed to the new country's armed forces, whose officers built squash courts on the grounds. The building was used as a tax office for some years before being nationalized in 1975, although it had officially closed a decade earlier.

From then until 2018, the club was all but forgotten when finally a restoration project went underway. The Pegu Club building is now recognized as one of the heritage sites of Yangon by having the Blue Plaque given by Yangon Heritage Trust.

RA 41

German Club

Watts & Skeen, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

In 1867, when Rangoon was still in its infancy as a commercial centre, a handful of Germans gathered together and formed a national club. A small Bungalow was purchased on Commissioner Road (now Bogyoke Aung San Street). At first, there were some 15 to 20 members, but there was a gradual and steady increase in the numbers, and the first premises gradually grew to be inadequate to meet the growing requirements. Around 1890 a new building was erected on the site. It resembled a medieval German castle, a style popular in Germany in those days. There was ample accommodation, including a reading room, a card room, a drawing room, a ladies' room, a billiard room with three tables, and a large hall suitable for dancing and large functions.

The German Club was a social club, as distinct from a residential club. Attached to German Club were ample and well-kept grounds. three tennis courts and a bowling alley were provided for the recreation of the members. In 1910 there were about fivty members, a large number considering that there were not more than perhaps seventy-five Germans in Rangoon eligible for election.

During WW I most Germans got expelled from Burma and the British authorities auction off the building to the St. Joseph Convent. 

The building still exists today although it lost most part of its main tower during Nargis.

RA 42

Gymkhana Club

Philipp Klier, c. 1904

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Gymkhana Club had the distinction of being the most important centre of encouragement of sports in separate sections for cricket, football, hockey, and tennis, in addition to subsidising polo and racket.

The building in the photograph was erected in 1904 and the accommodation includes a ballroom, a ladies' room, bar, bowling alley, and a residence for the secretary. Three times a week before dinner a military band discoursed selections of music, on two of these evenings for dancing, and there were functions at the club at frequent intervals.

The Club was damaged during the war and then closed down in the 1950s. The structure still exists today and is now part of the Yangon Children's Hospital.

RA 43

Strand Road, looking East

Bourne & Shepherd, c. 1873

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

 The district court was built in the 1870s. In 1927 it was replaced by the new law courts building. A few years ago it has been converted into the Rosewood Hotel.

RA 44

District Courts & Public Offices 

J. Jackson, c. 1875

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

 The district court was built in the 1870s. The gas lamps in the photo were introduced to Rangoon in 1875. In 1927 the building was replaced by the new law courts building. A few years ago it has been converted into the Rosewood Hotel. 

RA 45

Flag Staff Pagoda (Alanpya Pagoda), 

with barracks in foreground

J. Jackson, c. 1868

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 46

A view from the roof of the 

Government Offices [Secretariat]

Unknown, c. 1890

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Secretariat building, was the home and administrative seat of British Burma, in downtown Yangon, Burma. It was where Aung San and 6 cabinet ministers were assassinated on 19 July 1947, now commemorated as Burmese Martyrs' Day. 

Construction began in 1889. The central building was completed in 1902, while the complex's eastern and western wings were finished in 1905.

The towers on two of the four corner buildings as well as the imposing central dome collapsed during a severe earthquake in 1930 and have not been rebuild.

The photograph was taken during the construction of the secretariat. The Sule Pagoda is visible in the background as is the town church on Strand Road which was demolished in 1891 not long after this photograph was taken.

RA 47

Central Telegraph Office

Unknown, 1920s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

This brick Edwardian office block with a classical portico was Rangoon's link to the outside world. Built in 1911 and designed by John Begg, a Scottish architect, who also designed the Customs House on Strand Road. The Sule Pagoda and Immanuel Baptist Church can be seen in the background. The photo was taken att the corner of Dalhousie (now Mahabandoola St.) & Phayre Street (now Pansodan Rd.) 

 RA 48

Municipal Office, Rangoon

Unknown, c. 1911

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Municipal Office was originally known as Ripon Hall and used as a dance hall until 1886 when the local British government purchased it to use it as Municipal Office. In the late 1920s construction of the new town hall began and was completed in 1936. The only surviving building of the picture is the Rowe & Co. Department Store. It was built in 1910 and was known as the Harrods of the East. The building is now occupied by the Aya Bank. The Immanuel Baptist Church built in 1885 was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt in the 1950s.

RA 49

High Court

Oswald Lübeck, 1911

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The photograph of the High Court was taken in 1911 just after the completion of the construction which began in 1905 and shows also the lake at Fytche Square (now Mahabandoola Park). 

RA 50

High Court 

Oswald Lübeck, 1911

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The photograph of the High Court was taken in 1911 just after the completion of the construction which began in 1905 and shows also the lake at Fytche Square (now Mahabandoola Park).

RA 51

Rangoon

J. Jackson c.1873

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

This photo was taken sometime between 1873 and 1876 from Dala. You can see the Irrawaddy Flotilla paddle steamer Bassein which was built by Barclay, Curle &Co. Ltd. in Glasgow in 1865. It had a  2cyl, 110hp steam engine and was 124ft (37.8m) long and 21ft (6.4m) wide. In 1900 the steamer was converted to a hulk. 

In the background behind the Bassein on the left are the Public Offices (District Court) on Strand Road which were replaced by the New Law Courts in 1927 and are now housing the Rosewood Hotel.

RA 52

Variegated looking-glass shrine, Kemmendine

J. Jackson, c. 1868

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 53

A Phoongyee house at Rangoon

J. Jackson, c. 1868

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 54

General exterior view of 

St John's College 

Archaeological Survey of Burma, 1903

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 55

Barr Street

(now Mahabandula Garden St.)

J. Jackson, c. 1880

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

Named in honour of the then Chief Commissioner of British Burma, Sir Albert Fytche, the park dates back to1868. Fytche Square was previously a vacant, swampy plot originally known as Tank Square, which was cleared and laid out as a public recreation ground. In 1885, J. Short landscaped the park properly. The park is now named after General Maha Bandula who fought against the British in the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826).  The photograph was taken from the portico of the Ripon Hall [Town Hall]. The houses along the streets made place for the High Court in 1911 and the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank is now situated at the location of the Church you can see in the background. 

 RA 56

Views of the Town Church 

J. Jackson, c. 1869

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

 RA 57

The Town Church 

J. Jackson, c. 1880

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 58

The Mosque Rangoon

[Surti Sunni Jamah Mosque]

J. Jackson, c. 1881

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

Built in the 1860s, this is thought to be Yangon's oldest surviving Muslim place of worship. The street on which it stands used to be known as Mogul Street (now Shwe Bontha St.) and was at the centre of the Indian sector of the city. 

 India’s last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was exiled to Rangoon after the Indian Mutiny of 1857—the greatest and bloodiest challenge to British colonial rule at the time. Zafar brought with him a legion of courtiers and attendants. Many of the shopkeepers in this part of Yangon claim descent from the exiled court. 

The mosque’s name suggests that it was built by Gujarati traders originating from or near Surat, quite possibly from the town of Rander opposite the Tapi River. Historical links between Rander and Myanmar survive to this day: many old homes in Rander are built with Burmese teak, and the culinary landscape features specialities brought back to India from “Burma Repatriates” during the Second World War as well as Ne Win’s nationalisation campaign in the 1960s. One still finds Rangooni parathas (deep-fried pieces of meat enveloped in a thin layer of wheat dough mixed with egg) and Khow Suey (traditionally a Shan noodle dish, and a close cousin of Thailand’s famous Khao Soi) in restaurants in Rander.

RA 59

The Mosque Rangoon

[Surti Sunni Jamah Mosque]

Philipp Klier, c. 1894

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

Built in the 1860s, this is thought to be Yangon's oldest surviving Muslim place of worship. In this photograph, one can see the imposing arched entrance tower flanked by a  pair of large minarets. The entrance tower was added much later probably in the late 1880s. 

RA 60

The Mosque Rangoon

[Surti Sunni Jamah Mosque]

Philipp Klier, c. 1890

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 61

Mogul Street

[Shwe Bontha Road]  

Philipp Klier, c. 1885

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 62

Chinese Temple 

(Kheng Hock Keong Temple)

Philipp Klier, c. 1903

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Kheng Hock Keong Temple is the largest Chinese temple in Yangon. It was built by the Hokkien Chinese in 1861 - then made of wood - and was replaced by this permanent structure in 1903. 

Many Chinese emigrated from Fujian by sea to Southeast Asia in the 19th century in connection with the growth of trade during the British colonial days. 

The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mazu, who protects traders, seafarers, and fishermen. Hokkien people often emigrated to become merchants—you will note the temple is near the port. In keeping with the temple founders’ aspirations, its name means “temple celebrating prosperity”.

RA 63

Chinese Temple 

(Kheng Hock Keong Temple)

Unknown, c. 1903

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 64

Barr Street

(now Mahabandoola Garden St.)

Unknown, c. 1911

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 65

Rowe & Co. Department Store

(now Aya Bank)

Unknown, c. 1911

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Rowe & Co. Department Store was built in 1910 and was known as the Harrods of the East. The building is now occupied by the Aya Bank. 

RA 66

Fytche Square, Rangoon

[Mahabandoola Park]

Watts & Skeen, c. 1896

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

This photograph could be easily mistaken with a photograph of the Kandawgyi Lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda. Not many people know that there was a sizeable lake at the Fytche Square (now Mahabandoola Garden) which was filled in in the 1920s. The Pagoda in the background is the Sule Pagoda and until the early 1850s the Sule Pagoda was situated on a small peninsula on the lake. During the development of Rangoon in 1855 part of the lake got filled in and in the 1860s a public park was created and named Fytche Square. The statue of Queen Victoria on the right was donated in 1896 by an Armenian businessman to show his loyalty to the British government. The Japanese removed the statue during WWII and replaced it with a war memorial which in turn was replaced by the independence monument. 

RA 67

The Iron Church, Rangoon

J. Jackson, between 1865 & 1869

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

In 1859 it was reported that "The Commissioner of the province recorded the erection, at Rangoon, of the iron church sent out by the Home Government, the cost up to date of report, was 62,300 rupees, but an enclosure wall was required, and it is estimated that the total expense will be about 65,000 rupees."

There have been several complaints about the heat inside the building. John Ebenezer Marks for example wrote in his book 40 years in Burma: "The church is a large iron structure. It used to be said of it that, with a little alteration, it would make a capital goods-shed for a railway-station, and that if you closed the doors and windows you could bake bread in it during the middle of the day, in the hottest months."

RA 68

Strand Road

Unknown, c. 1915

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 69

View of Rangoon Harbour 

from the Sailor's Home

J. Jackson, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Yangon River (also known as the Rangoon River) is formed by the confluence of the Pegu and Myitmaka Rivers in Myanmar. The Twante Canal connects the Yangon River with the Irrawaddy Delta. 

RA 70

View of Rangoon  from the Sailor's Home

Looking West

Philipp Klier, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 71

View of Rangoon from the Sailor's Home 

Looking North

Philipp Klier, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

This photograph was taken from the tower of the Sailor's Home. The Sailor's Home was located at the South side of Strand Road opposite of Brooking Street (now Bogalay Zay St.). 

RA 72

View of Rangoon from the Sailor's Home

Looking North-West

Philipp Klier, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

This photograph was taken from the tower of the Sailor's Home. The Sailor's Home was located at the South side of Strand Road opposite of Brooking Street (now Bogalay Zay St.). In the background, you can see the Sule Pagoda. 

RA 73

Waverley F.H.S's Residence 

in Cantonments of Rangoon

Unknown, Between 1889 & 1894

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 74

Waverley F.H.S's Residence 

Drawing Room

Unknown, Between 1889 & 1894

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 75

Waverley F.H.S's Residence 

Dining Room

Unknown, Between 1889 & 1894

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 76

A private Bungalow

Rangoon 

Unknown, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 77

Rangoon General Hospital

J. Jackson c.1873

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

This enormous teak structure was built in 1873 and located on Commissioner Road (Corner of Bogyoke Aung San Street & Shwedagon Pagoda Road). It was a very well-equipped institution by the standards of the time (although the ambulance in front of the building appears to be a bit slow). 

When the new Yangon General Hospital opened in 1899 the old one was converted into the Hostel of the Burma Government Medical School and was still in use at least as late as 1938. Today Junction City is occupying the spot where once the Yangon General Hospital stood.

RA 78

Bombay Burmah Trading Company's Mills 

Dallah, Rangoon

J. Jackson c.1873

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

In the mid-1850s the Wallaces Brothers set up a business in Rangoon, shipping tea to Bombay. In 1863 the business was floated as “The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation. Its equity was held by both Indian merchants along with the Wallace Brothers, who had the controlling interests. By the 1870s the company was a leading producer of teak in Burma and Siam, as well as having interests in cotton, oil exploration, and shipping. British motivations for the third Anglo-Burmese War were partly influenced by concerns of the BBTC. The Burmese state's conflict with the BBTC furnished British leaders with a pretext for conquest. By the 1880s Wallace Brothers had become a leading financial house in London. The Vissanji family purchased the company from the Wallace brothers around the time of Indian independence. In 1992, the BBTC acquired and merged in BCL Springs. Later, BBTC was acquired by the Wadia group based in Bombay. 

 RA 79

View of the Cantonment

Tripe,1855

Photo: 27.5" x 8.25" (70 x 21 cm)

Frame: 41" x 14" (104 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 105

Unframed: USD 45

 RA 80

Cantonment Gardens 1

Philipp Klier, 1890s

Photo: 8.25" x 11 (21 x 27.5 cm)

Frame: 14" x 16.5" (36 x 42 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 81

Cantonment Gardens 2

Philipp Klier, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 82

From public gardens

J. Jackson, c.1868

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 83

From public gardens

J. Jackson, c.1868

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 84

From Cantonment Gardens Rangoon

Bourne & Shepherd, 1873

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

  RA 85

Public Gardens, Rangoon

J. Jackson, 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 86

Cantonment Gardens, 424

P. Klier, c. 1890

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 87

The Lake

Tripe 1855

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 88

View near the Lake

Tripe 1855

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 89

Royal Lakes Rangoon 1 

Philipp Klier, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 90

Royal Lakes, Rangoon 2

Philipp Klier, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 91

Royal Lakes, Rangoon 3

Philipp Klier, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 92

Royal Lakes, Rangoon 4

Philipp Klier, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 93

Royal Lake, Rangoon 5

J. Jackson, c. 1868

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 94

Royal Lake, Rangoon 6 

Unknown , 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 95

Royal Lake, Rangoon 7

Unknown , 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 96

Royal Lake, Rangoon 8

Unknown , 1880s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 97

Royal Lake, Rangoon 9

Watts & Skeen, 1895

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 98

Mission House at Kemindine

Tripe,1855

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 99

The Church

Tripe,1855

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 100

A Street; old Style.

Tripe,1855

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

This is how Rangoon looked when W. H. Marshall arrived there in 1854. During the Second Anglo-Burmese war most of Rangoon was burned down and plans were made to modernize Rangoon. Temporary huts were erected to be pulled down as soon as construction of the modern city began. When Tripe arrived in Rangoon the construction of new roads were well under way but there were still remnants of the old town left. 

RA 101

The Votive Tree

Tripe,1855

Photo: 8.25" x 11 (21 x 27.5 cm)

Frame: 14" x 16.5" (36 x 42 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 102

Tiger Alley (now [U Wisara Rd.)

Tripe,1855

Photo: 8.25" x 11 (21 x 27.5 cm)

Frame: 14" x 16.5" (36 x 42 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 103

View of Rangoon, 

from the Dalla side of the river

J. Jackson, c. 1873

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 104

Rangoon Riverbank

Watts & Skeen, 1895

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 105

Rangoon River, The Moulmein Steamer Arriving

Watts & Skeen, 1895

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

The Yangon River (also known as the Rangoon River) is formed by the confluence of the Pegu and Myitmaka Rivers in Myanmar. The Twante Canal connects the Yangon River with the Irrawaddy Delta. 

RA 106

Poozoundoung Greek

Klier, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 107

View of Rangoon, from the Dalla side of the river

Unknown, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 108

Rangoon Harbour

Klier, 1890s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 109

Patent slip

Tripe, 1855

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 110

View from River

 August Sachtler, c.1867

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20

RA 111

Rangoon Airport

1940s

Photo: 11" x 8.25" (27.5 x 21 cm)

Frame: 16.5" x 14" (42 x 36 cm)

Framed: USD 50

Unframed: USD 20