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 29 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
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
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
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).
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
The Ceylon Government Lascoreen Guard-of-Honour arriving at Richmond Castle ; to the services of this Guard, only the Highest Sinhalese Chiefs are entitled
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/5
Scope and Contents
360 x 260 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
The crowds viewing the statue
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/21
Scope and Contents
358 x 190 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
The display of fireworks
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/25
Scope and Contents
290 x 240 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
The display of fireworks
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/26
Scope and Contents
285 x 235 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
The display of fireworks a beautiful set piece on the left May God Bless our Governor
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/24
Scope and Contents
275 x 237 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
The display of fireworks. Another beautiful set piece God Save the King
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/27
Scope and Contents
285 x 235 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
The embankment at the approach ot the entrance of Richmond Castle grounds
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/3
Scope and Contents
285 x 208 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
The entrance to Richmond Castle grounds
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/4
Scope and Contents
285 x 203 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
The full complement of the Ceylon Government Lascoreen Guard-of-Honour in attendance on the Padikara Mudaliyar
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/6
Scope and Contents
345 x 255 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
The Kandyan Hall of Richmond Castle, arranged for the luncheon to His Excellency the Governor, Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils and other distinguished guest in honour of the function
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/11
Scope and Contents
283 x 342 mm (hand-coloured). Also menu of luncheon with portrait of the Governor, Sir John Anderson, and table plan.
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
The Kings representative, H.E. Sir John Anderson, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., acccompanied by Mrs Silva Wijaysinghe and the Padikara Mudaliyar, driving in State to the unveiling ceremony
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/14
Scope and Contents
530 x 360 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
The Padikara Mudaliyar and His Highness the Hon. The Raja of Ramnad attended by the Guards, driving to Kalutara Town to meet His Excellency the Governor
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/7
Scope and Contents
280 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
The Padikara Mudaliyar giving the toast of His Majesty the King at the official luncheon
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/12
Scope and Contents
145 x 102 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
The Padikara Mudaliyar giving the toast of his Majesty the King at the official luncheon
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/13
Scope and Contents
236 x 172 mm (with printed text of toasts, etc.).
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
The Padikara Mudaliyar reading from a gold plate his request to unveil the statue
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/18
Scope and Contents
From the File:
Contains prints of various sizes, as listed (mounted on card), with descriptions in gold lettering and bound in a red leather volume with the inscription 'Souvenir of the Unveiling of the First Statue of His Majesty the King in the East, at Kalutara South, Ceylon. The Gift of Don Arthur Silva Wijaysinghe Siriwardene, (Sinahalese Chief) The Padikar Mudaliyar, Justice of the Peace, etc., etc. 22nd of July, 1916'. Various printed items have also been inserted.
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
The statue unveiled
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/QM 28/19
Scope and Contents
275 x 342 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).