Following the success of his first photo book, Old Hong Kong – The Way We Were, in 2023, photographer Lau Koon-Tan recently published the sequel. It will accompany an exhibition titled Old Hong Kong – The Way We Were 2, which displays nearly 20 hand-made Silver Gelatin Prints.

Lau Koon-Tan has been photographed in our city for over 60 years. In the 1960s, amid economic hardship and political instability in Hong Kong, a young man emerged as a photographer dedicated to capturing the essence of his city.

From Street dentist and rickshaw driver to newspaper hawker and coolie, Lau’s photographs vividly depicted the various aspects of life, reflecting the circumstances of that era, documenting the diverse facets of society through his camera lens, and offering future generations a glimpse into the lives of those who came before them. These pictures showcase his exceptional skills and serve as a precious testament to Hong Kong’s history. Now, in his advanced years, Lau remains actively engaged in promoting photography.

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