William Kinnimond Burton

BURTON, William Kinnimond (18??-1899) UK. Came to Japan in 1887 to be a professor of sanitary engineering at the Tokyo Imperial Univ. With OGAWA Kazumasa, established Japan's first amateur camera club called Nihon Shashin-kai in 1889.

In 1891, photographed the major earthquake that struck Aichi and Gifu prefectures. Burton also photographed Japanese costumes and customs, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, and daily life. (Published by OGAWA Kazumasa.)

He also brought an exhibition of 299 pictures to Japan for the London Camera Club in 1893. It was Japan's first international photo exhibition. His term at the university expired in 1896 when he was sent to Taiwan (then a colony of Japan) to serve as an engineer. Returned to Japan about three years later for medical treatment. Died at the Tokyo Imperial Univ. hospital. (2000.12.15)