Saigon

Saigon vintage architecture and lifestyle in the 50s and 60s

This exceptional series comes from the archives of the Inlen gallery. It stands out for its night shots, showcasing a brightly lit Saigon, then considered the “Pearl of Asia.” In addition to iconic landmarks like the Governor’s Palace, the Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market, the photographer also captured lively spots such as the Rex and Thanh Chung cinemas, Brodard bakery, and the Dong Khanh hotel in the bustling Cholon district. This suggests that Saigon wasn’t just about official monuments,

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On the beginning of rice trade in Cholon with photographer Nadal during Indochina

Fernand Nadal, born in Algeria, arrived in Saigon in the 1920s. His first advertisement in the magazine Indochine française (1922) described his activities as follows: “Art Photographie—Photography for business” and “Publishing: postcards, photo albums, and documentaries on Cochinchina, Cambodia, and Annam.”

Unlike other studios that focused primarily on portraits, Nadal’s work provided a documentary perspective of that era. He published over 2000 photos, with notable albums including:

• Ruines d’Angkor: A collection of photographs showcasing the ancient temples of Angkor.

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