Help! Photos of Pre-1942 Sabah Needed!

Looking for Fun Photos!

of 

North Borneo

Pre-1942

The Penang Bookshelf not only counts readers amongst its customers and followers, but authors as well. One of them has asked for a bit of help with his next book. What’s it about? Photography in North Borneo before World War II. A bit of a musty subject, you may think. All those grainy black and white pictures of forgotten people and places who’ve changed.

Well it doesn’t have to be so. The author has just completed a book on the work of Funk & Sons, a photographic studio in Sandakan before World War II. The book’s due to be published later this year and will be available at The Penang Bookshelf. Funk was a master at producing photographs  that still inspire. The next book will take in a broader range of photographers operating in the area which is now Sabah. They had studios in Jessleton (now Kota Kinabalu), Sandakan and elsewhere The author has a good collection of photos for this second book, but he’s looking for more.

He’s particularly looking lively  photographs that aren't quite as sedate as these two examples. He's looking for something with movement, particularly with people as subjects. They could be post cards in collections or in family photo albums. Do you think you could help? If so please contact The Penang Bookshelf

Tanjung Tokong in 1970's & 80's - What Did it Look Like?

Help!

Tanjung Tokong in 1970's & 80's 

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What Did it Look Like?

One of The Penang Bookshelf's author customers is writing a novel set in Penang in the late 1970's and early 80's. 

One of her main characters lives in Tanjung Tokong in 1980 and she's keen to gain as much information as she can so as to be able to recreate the surroundings and atmosphere at the time. Of course, she 's made a start by reading and looking at photographs, but none of these can replace the experience of living there at the time.

Our customer writes: 
" My interest at this stage seems to have settled onto a number of elements concerning the area back then:  Kampong life of villages/markets/food stalls (now I understand almost gone); Aussie RAAF presence (gone); beaches; nightlife/eating (many gone); Chinese Temple, Sea Pearl complex; infrastructure re shopping (different now), phones, post office etc."

Do you have personal experience of the area of the time? Preferably you would have lived or worked there or at least be very familiar with the area at that time.

So, do you think that you can help or know of anyone else who can? The author is coming to Penang in December and would like to spend a day or two touring the area with you. She is willing to pay a fee, if you so wish.

If you are able to offer help or have any further questions before you make up your mind, please contact her initially by email