Frozen in time: Rare early images of the Himalayas from Italian pioneer

Vittorio Sella was an Italian photographer who lived over a century ago and is known for his stunning images of the Himalayas. His work has had a significant impact on both mountain photography and the history of mountaineering. A new exhibition titled 'Vittorio Sella: Photographer in the Himalaya' is currently taking place in Delhi, India. This exhibition showcases a large collection of Sella's photographs, many of which are among the earliest high-altitude images of some of the world's tallest mountains, including Kanchenjunga and K2. The exhibition is curated by Hugh Thomson, a respected British explorer and author, and organized by the Delhi Art Gallery. It is a wonderful opportunity for people to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas through Sella's lens.

Sella was born in Biella, Italy, a town known for its wool industry. He began his climbing adventures in the nearby Alps and quickly developed a passion for photography. His father, who worked in the wool mills, taught him valuable skills in engineering and chemistry, which he later applied to his photography. By the time he reached his twenties, Sella had mastered the collodion process, a complex photographic technique that allowed him to create large-format images even in challenging conditions. His panoramic photographs gained him international recognition and acclaim for their technical excellence.

Sella's journey to the Himalayas started in 1899 when he joined an expedition led by British explorer Douglas Freshfield. The goal was to circumnavigate Kanchenjunga, but the team faced difficulties due to heavy rain. Despite the weather challenges, Sella took the opportunity to capture stunning images of the snow-covered peaks. He experimented with different photographic techniques, including telephoto shots of Kanchenjunga, which allowed him to create images that transported viewers to a timeless world. His photographs are not just pictures; they are windows into a past that many people have never seen.