THE Sabah Museum is honoured to curate the valuable Knowles collection for the North Borneo Sacred Legacy Photographic Exhibition VI: Robert Knowles Collection (1947-1960), at the Sabah Museum, on Feb 18, 2014.
Copies of his photos can be bought in the form of postcards at the State Museum at RM2 each.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who was present, said he was honoured to be part of the event.
“The memories and information behind each photo has much value, giving sentimental and historical values to the present moment and in the future, said Masidi who officiated at the exhibition.
He urged locals to utilise their photography skills to immortalise the State’s legacy for the future generation.
“Most people take photos nowadays. But after some time, they might forget about the memories and details of each photo because they were not documented. The date, place and other information, if not recorded, might just disappear with time.”
Masidi called on locals to emulate Knowles in his effort in terms of documentation and preservation of photographs and details.
As a Minister who is proud of the State’s beauty, Masidi pointed out how the State’s diverse culture and natural beauty had inspired Knowles to capture and document these assets, despite the post-war condition of the State then.
“These assets continue to make Sabah a unique destination and attract tourists from all over the world.”
Robert Knowles was awarded the OBE by the Queen of England, worked as an Assistant Commissioner of Trade and Customs (Jabatan Kastam Labuan/Labuan Customs Department) in 1947.
With his wife Phyllis and two young children Chris and Eleanor, the Knowles family arrived in Labuan from Singapore via the S.S. Kajang in early July of 1947.
Continue reading at: Bringing back the early Sabah memories at Sabah Museum
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