Platé and Co
Organization
Dates and places
Active in Ceylon 1890s-1940s.
Legal status / Nationality
The firm became a private limited company in 1900.
Sphere of activity
The photographic business was established by A.W.A. Platé and his wife Clara in a small studio in the Bristol Hotel in 1890. It moved to larger premises in Colpetty in 1892.
'Mr Heinemann joined the firm as managing partner and the business continued to steadily expand, with the result that the present staff of the establishment comprises ten Europeans and over 60 natives. Besides their Colpetty studio and several others in Colombo, Messrs. Plate have a branch establishment at Nuwara Eliya… and, in addition, book-stalls at the Queen's Hotel, Kandy, and the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. The Colpetty studio and office practically represent the headquarters of the firm, and here are located extensive work-rooms, dark-rooms, show-rooms and other adjuncts to a photographic establishment, in addition to the spacious studio, reckoned to be one of the finest in the East' (Wright 1907, p.XX).
The firm became a private limited company in 1900 and the business was enlarged to concentrate on the supplying of photographic apparatus and material. In 1907 the firm had an output of postcards of half a million. It probably took over the stock of W.L.H. Skeen. Platé and Co. were still trading in the 1940s.
Publications:
Platé and Co. (19--), The hundred best views of Ceylon : from photographs taken by the publishers. Colombo.
Found in 64 Collections and/or Records:
Item
A group of native dancers who performed
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/23
Scope and Contents
342 x 268 mm (hand-coloured).
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Ceylon [i.e. Sri Lanka] Elephants, 1920 - 1929
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/PC India/133
Scope and Contents
The postcard is addressed to Miss Gillian Dold, London. It contains a brief note and is signed 'Daddy'.
Dates:
1920 - 1929
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Fonds
Christ Church, Munnar, Travancore [i.e. Kerala]
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y3022NNNN
Scope and Contents
A collection of mounted photographs. The photographs belonged to Albert and Ethel Wright, members of the original congregation, when living in Madupatty Estate, one of a group of James Finlay tea estates in the area. Hatch (1933, p.166) notes: 'One of the most beautiful mountain sections of Travancore is found in the northernmost part - the High Range... This particular section is called the Plateau of the Anamalais. The plateau is over 5,000 feet above sea level, and possesses a most...
Dates:
1920 - 1929
Conditions Governing Access:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Sub-Series
[Colombo, Kandy and the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa], 1895 - 1900
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/PC Ceylon/28-55
Scope and Contents
Monochrome postcards showing views in Colombo, Kandy and the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, published by Platé Ltd.
Dates:
1895 - 1900
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Elephants in the river at Peradeniya, 1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 2/26
Scope and Contents
From the File:
A collection of platinum prints, 280 x 225 mm, mounted in a volume bound in red leather with 'The Royal Visit to Ceylon April, 1901' and the Royal Arms on the front cover. They are by various photographers and record the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later H.M. King George V and H.M. Queen Mary) 12-15 April, 1901. The prints are mounted on cardboard pages and have printed captions, which have been recorded as found. They may include language which is...
Dates:
1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
General view of Nuwara Eliya (the Sanitarium), 1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 2/48
Scope and Contents
From the File:
A collection of platinum prints, 280 x 225 mm, mounted in a volume bound in red leather with 'The Royal Visit to Ceylon April, 1901' and the Royal Arms on the front cover. They are by various photographers and record the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later H.M. King George V and H.M. Queen Mary) 12-15 April, 1901. The prints are mounted on cardboard pages and have printed captions, which have been recorded as found. They may include language which is...
Dates:
1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Giant Bamboos in Peradeniya Gardens, Ceylon [i.e. Sri Lanka], 1920 - 1929
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/PC India/134
Scope and Contents
The postcard is addressed to Mrs Gilbert Dold, London. It contains a brief note and is signed 'GW' or 'GD'.
Dates:
1920 - 1929
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Group of immigrant Tamils, 1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 2/56
Scope and Contents
From the File:
A collection of platinum prints, 280 x 225 mm, mounted in a volume bound in red leather with 'The Royal Visit to Ceylon April, 1901' and the Royal Arms on the front cover. They are by various photographers and record the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later H.M. King George V and H.M. Queen Mary) 12-15 April, 1901. The prints are mounted on cardboard pages and have printed captions, which have been recorded as found. They may include language which is...
Dates:
1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Group of Jaffna Tamil Ladies, 1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 2/55
Scope and Contents
From the File:
A collection of platinum prints, 280 x 225 mm, mounted in a volume bound in red leather with 'The Royal Visit to Ceylon April, 1901' and the Royal Arms on the front cover. They are by various photographers and record the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later H.M. King George V and H.M. Queen Mary) 12-15 April, 1901. The prints are mounted on cardboard pages and have printed captions, which have been recorded as found. They may include language which is...
Dates:
1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Group of Kandyan chiefs, 1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 2/53
Scope and Contents
From the File:
A collection of platinum prints, 280 x 225 mm, mounted in a volume bound in red leather with 'The Royal Visit to Ceylon April, 1901' and the Royal Arms on the front cover. They are by various photographers and record the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later H.M. King George V and H.M. Queen Mary) 12-15 April, 1901. The prints are mounted on cardboard pages and have printed captions, which have been recorded as found. They may include language which is...
Dates:
1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
His Excellency delivering his Address after the unveiling
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/20
Scope and Contents
358 x 190 mm (with text of speech).
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
His Excellency the Governor and party arriving at Richmond Castle
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/8
Scope and Contents
285 x 200 mm.
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
His Excellency the Governor inspecting the Guard-of-Honour furnished by the Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps (Kalutara Section)
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/17
Scope and Contents
257 x 132 mm.
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
His Excellency witnessing the native dances after opening the after opening the entertainment at Richmond Castle in aid of war charities
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/22
Scope and Contents
275 x 208 mm (with programme, ticket and copy of letter from Queen Mary's Private Secretary to Mrs Wijayasinghe
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
His Highness the Hon. the Raja of Ramnad, the representative of the South Indian Rajas in the Madras Legislative Council, arrives for the unveiling ceremony
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/16
Scope and Contents
150 x 205 mm.
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Mrs N.D.A. Silva Wijayasinghe
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/1
Scope and Contents
128 x 165 mm.
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Native Botique [i.e. Boutique] or Shop, Ceylon [i.e. Sri Lanka], 1920 - 1929
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/PC India/130
Scope and Contents
The postcard is addressed to 'Mrs Roma Dold', London. It is signed 'GW' or 'GD'.
Dates:
1920 - 1929
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
No. 17 - The New Peradeniya Bridge, 1920 - 1929
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/PC India/131
Scope and Contents
The postcard is addressed to 'Miss Gillian Dold', London, and is signed 'Daddy'.
Dates:
1920 - 1929
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Peace celebration at Richmond Castle, 1919
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/30
Scope and Contents
277 x 215 mm. Group photograph with his Excellency Brigadier-General Sir William Manning, K.C.M.G., K.B.E., C.B., Governor of Ceylon, as central figure who delivered a gracious message to the peasants assembled in their thousands to celebrate the signing of the peace treaty.
Dates:
1919
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Provincial Officer’s residence, Ceylon, 1890 - 1899
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y303G/5
Scope and Contents
260 x 204 mm. Showing a large, tile-roofed bungalow with the Union Jack flying from a pole in the garden in front of the verandah. A group of Europeans with Singhalese servants is posed in the garden for the photographer.
Dates:
1890 - 1899
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Richmond Castle the country seat of the Padikara Mudaliyar
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/9
Scope and Contents
285 x 185 mm (hand-coloured).
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Sub-Series
[Ruined cities of Ceylon i.e. Sri Lanka], 1910
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/PC Ceylon/78-85
Scope and Contents
Monochrome postcards of the ruined cities of Ceylon, published by Platé Ltd.
Dates:
1910
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Scene at the presentation of colours to the Ceylon Mounted Infantry and of medals to South African Contingent, 1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 2/17
Scope and Contents
From the File:
A collection of platinum prints, 280 x 225 mm, mounted in a volume bound in red leather with 'The Royal Visit to Ceylon April, 1901' and the Royal Arms on the front cover. They are by various photographers and record the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later H.M. King George V and H.M. Queen Mary) 12-15 April, 1901. The prints are mounted on cardboard pages and have printed captions, which have been recorded as found. They may include language which is...
Dates:
1901-04-12 - 1901-04-15
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Special souvenir issued by command of H.E. the Governor to commemorate the historic event - the presentation of His Majesty the King's statue to Kalutara
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/29
Scope and Contents
Printed sheet with photographs.
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Talipot Palm Avenue in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, Ceylon [i.e. Sri Lanka], 1920 - 1929
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/PC India/135
Scope and Contents
The postcard is addressed to Mrs Roma Detwold (or Detmold). It contains a brief note and is signed 'GW' or 'GD'.
Dates:
1920 - 1929
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).