The George Keyt Foundation, in collaboration with the British High Commission in Colombo, recently concluded the art exhibition titled “19th Century Views of Ceylon: British Artists and Historical Perspectives on the Island” at Westminster House, held on July 31 and August 1. This event drew a significant number of art enthusiasts, history buffs, and members of the general public.
The exhibition featured a remarkable collection of rare oil paintings, watercolours, aquatint lithographs, and various other artistic representations from the 19th century, depicting Ceylon. Attendees were able to observe how British artists, travelers, and illustrators interpreted the island’s culture, landscapes, and architecture. The exhibition progressed from meticulous early studies to more expressive later works, creating a distinctive artistic narrative of Ceylon during that era.
Among the featured artists were notable figures such as Henry Salt, Samuel Daniell, William Thomas Lyttleton, John Deschamps, Charles O’Brien, James Stephanoff, James Miller Huggins, Thomas Fraser, Andrew Nicholl, Constance Frederica Gordon-Cumming, Edward Lear, and Thomas Hampson Jones. Highlighted works included Samuel Daniell’s intricate watercolours showcasing verdant landscapes and village life, alongside Edward Lear’s vivid representations of famous Ceylon landmarks like Sigiriya and Adam’s Peak. The exhibition presented recurring themes, including detailed studies of Kandyan architecture and vibrant portrayals of local communities, daily activities, and the striking coastline, illustrating how the visual documentation of the island evolved to reflect the artists’ perspectives over time.
Andrew Patrick, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, remarked, “Hosting this exhibition at Westminster House has provided a splendid opportunity to display a unique collection of 19th-century artworks. These pieces offer valuable insights into the ways British artists and travelers captured the landscapes and communities of Sri Lanka during that period. Our partnership with the George Keyt Foundation has facilitated the sharing of this significant collection with a broader audience, underscoring the lasting cultural and interpersonal connections between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.”
David Wright, General Manager of British Airways, expressed, “Art possesses an extraordinary ability to unite individuals across borders, and British Airways is immensely proud to support this historic exhibition. As we prepare for the resumption of our direct flights from Colombo to London in October, this cultural milestone demonstrates our dedication to enhancing the ties, both cultural and economic, between Sri Lanka and the UK.”
Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the George Keyt Foundation, stated, “The enthusiastic public response affirms our commitment to preserving Sri Lankan artistic heritage. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the 19th Century Views of Ceylon exhibition at Westminster House. By showcasing these previously hidden private collections, we have fostered an important cultural dialogue. We are delighted that the limited edition book sold out within three days and have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who purchased it. Our gratitude goes to our partners who made this exhibition possible: the British High Commission, British Airways, Lynear Wealth, the Juniper Group, Nations Trust Private Banking, and News1st.”
The George Keyt Foundation was established to honor Sri Lanka’s most renowned modern painter and aims to restore, preserve, and promote the island’s visual arts, providing local artists with a platform to engage in the global modern art conversation. The Foundation remains active in connecting with the public through its exhibitions. For updates on future events or to get involved, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.georgekeytfoundation.com or follow them on social media.
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